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Max Starks Named New Pittsburgh Steelers Radio Network Color Commentator

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Max Starks Named New Pittsburgh Steelers Radio Network Color Commentator

iHeartMedia Pittsburgh and the Steelers Audio Network announced a major shift in their game day broadcast lineup Tuesday, as former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman and two-time Super Bowl champion Max Starks will take over as the network’s new color commentator.

Starks replaces former offensive lineman turned radio broadcaster Craig Wolfley, who passed away at the age of 66 earlier this year after he took over the Steelers radio analyst chair on the radio broadcasts beginning in 2022.

Starks, who has served as a sideline analyst for the Steelers Radio Network since 2021, will now join veteran play-by-play voice Rob King in the broadcast booth for the 2025 season. The move gives listeners a familiar voice in a new role, continuing the organization’s tradition of pairing expert football analysis with trusted game coverage.

“Max brings a championship mindset, deep football knowledge, and an authentic connection with Steelers Nation,” said iHeartMedia Pittsburgh Market President Bobbie Loesch. “His transition from the sideline to the booth is a natural progression, and we’re confident that fans will love the insight and energy he brings to every broadcast.”

The broadcasting shuffle keeps Missi Matthews on the sidelines, where she’ll continue to deliver in-depth reporting throughout game day broadcasts.

In addition to their game day responsibilities, Starks and King will co-host In The Locker Room, Presented by Neighborhood Ford Store. The show airs weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon during the season on Steelers Nation Radio and FOX Sports Pittsburgh (970 AM).

Starks expressed gratitude for the opportunity and respect for those who previously held the position.

“I am honored to move from the sidelines into the booth for our game day broadcasts,” said Starks. “There is a long and proud history that I look forward to continuing. I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for the men who preceded me, and I hope to bring the same level of excitement and insight that Steelers fans have come to expect.”

The Steelers Audio Network continues to expand its footprint, offering game day coverage and original programming across multiple platforms. In addition to 102.5 WDVE and Fox Sports Pittsburgh, fans can access content via the Steelers mobile app, iHeartRadio, Steelers Nation Radio, and both the team and station websites.

As iHeartMedia continues to dominate the Pittsburgh market with its multi-platform reach, this latest move underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing the listener experience while staying true to the city’s football roots.

With a former Super Bowl champion now joining the booth full-time, the broadcast team adds a voice that not only knows what it takes to win in Pittsburgh—but also knows how to bring that story to life on the air.

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Trust in Fox News By Republicans Dwarfs Other Outlets, Pew Research Data Shows

BNM Staff
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Fox News continually finishes as the most-watched cable network, and has recently topped broadcast networks in the ratings. But data from Pew Research shows just how trusted the brand is among self-identified Republicans.

56% of Republicans and “Republican-leaning independents” said they trust Fox News, according to Pew Research. Meanwhile, 21% of those identifying similarly said that they distrust the network.

Other outlets and programs barely reached half as much support as Fox News did from those respondents. For instance, 31% said they trust The Joe Rogan Experience, while broadcast networks like ABC News (26%), NBC News (25%), and CBS News (23%) saw small support. Overall, no outlet other than Fox News received more than 33% support from Republicans when asked about trust levels in media.

A majority of self-identified Republicans — 57% — said they regularly get news from Fox, which is far higher than other sources.

On the flip side, those who labeled themselves as Democrats or Democratic-leaning independents distrusted Fox News more than any other outlet. 64% said they did not trust the network, which more than tripled the 19% who said they did trust it. Liberal Democrats were far more likely to say they distrusted the network at 78%, while 54% of conservative or moderate Democrats responded similarly.

Those same respondents were more likely to trust Joe Rogan (40%) than Republicans. Meanwhile, Democrats surveyed were more likely to trust Breitbart News (26%), the New York Post (25%), and Newsmax (23%) than they were to trust Fox News.

Despite the distrust, 18% of Democrats said they regularly watch Fox News. That figure is identical to The Washington Post.

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Borrell Associates Adjusts Local Advertising Forecasts, Shows Brighter Picture for AM/FM Radio

BNM Staff
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Borrell Associates Adjusts Local Advertising Forecasts, Shows Brighter Picture for AM/FM Radio

Borrell Associates has revised its revenue forecasts for a variety of media, including AM/FM Radio, and the picture looks especially bright in several areas.

During a Tuesday webinar, the company shared that it was adjusting projections for Out of Home, streaming video/over-the-top streaming, and streaming audio/podcasting by several hundred million dollars in some cases, while upping the forecast by billions in others.

In the Out of Home advertising category, Borrell Associates adjusted its forecast from being between $5.5 to $6 billion between 2025 and 2028 to rising to $6.5 billion by 2029.

Meanwhile, the streaming video and OTT will now see nearly $35 billion in 2029, up from the just under $30 billion projected by 2028. The 2025 project was scheduled for just under $25 billion, which has now been raised to more roughly $27 billion.

Streaming audio/podcasting saw a sharp increase in its forecasting. The previous projections from Borrell Associates showed that the industry would see a rising revenue increase from $1.3 billion in 2025 to over $1.5 billion in 2028.

The new projection shows that figure rising from $1.3 billion in 2025 to just under $2 billion in 2029.

AM/FM radio was the only medium that was projected to see a revenue decrease. That decrease, however, has been revised to be less steep than originally believed.

While the medium was originally expected to see $6.5 billion in total advertising in 2025, which rivals the lows it saw in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the drop-off in later years has decreased. Originally forecast to drop to $6 billion by 2028, the new projections show that the revenue is leveling out and remaining at roughly $6.5 billion through 2029.

In 2025, the new projections show $7 billion in revenue for the AM/FM Radio industry.

Corey Elliott, the Executive Vice President of Local Market Intelligence at Borrell Associates, shared that the forecast for radio has changed because of the work being done by the medium’s sellers and sales leaders.

“It’s still declining, but at a slower rate,” Elliott said. “We believe that’s because radio is doing a good job bundling digital and radio sales with community-focused advertisers. That’s the reason radio isn’t falling off a cliff. They’re working hard out there — God bless them.”

Another interesting data point shared by Borrell Associates was that many marketers question how they have applied their advertising budget.

41% shared that they believe they are “spending an appropriate amount” with their marketing budge, while 59% responded they are unsure. 30% estimated that they were “probably understanding”, with an addition 14% stating they were “probably overspending”, with 15% responding by saying they didn’t know whether they were overspending, underspending, or spending the correct amount.

Local Advertisers also believed that search engine marketing provided the most effective advertising platform. 51% called it either very or extremely effective, while 48% said social media met the same threshold. Streaming video/OTT was at 44%, while Cable TV and Broadcast TV each rested at 35%, respectively. AM/FM Radio was last in the rankings, with only 34% saying they felt the medium was a very or extremely effective use of their advertising budgets.

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.

WNBA All-Star Game Viewership Dips Year-Over-Year Without Caitlin Clark Participating

BSM Staff
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WNBA All-Star Game Viewership Dips Year-Over-Year Without Caitlin Clark Participating

ESPN, ABC, and Disney+ delivered viewership numbers that saw declines from the previous year, but still finished respectable for their coverage of the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend. The network group saw large audiences for both Friday night’s Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest and Saturday’s main event — the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game.

Friday night’s broadcast of the WNBA Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest on ESPN averaged 1.3 million viewers, making it the most-watched edition of those events in league history. The number represents an 89% increase over last year’s telecast, a staggering year-over-year jump that signals momentum for the league and its media partners. The programming was the most-viewed program across all television in primetime among adults 18-34 as well as persons under 35.

Saturday night’s WNBA All-Star Game averaged 2.2 million viewers across ABC, ESPN+, and Disney+, according to Nielsen data. That figure marks a 158% increase compared to the 2023 game and earned the title of the most-watched program across all of television that night.

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark did not participate in the All-Star Game this year due to injury, which impacted the viewership for the contest. The 2025 viewership was down 36% from last year’s game in which Clark and her All-Star teammates played the US Women’s Olympic team. Last year’s game drew 3.4 million as far as viewership, but the 2025 showcase still becomes the second most-watched WNBA All-Star Game of all time, trailing only the last year’s contest.

It should be noted that the 2023 All-Star Game drew 850,000 viewers, but Clark was still playing at the University of Iowa. The 2025 contest is only the second in WNBA history to draw more than 2 million viewers.

These numbers continue a trend of year-over-year growth for the WNBA and highlight the importance of multi-platform distribution. Additionally, the upward trajectory aligns with a larger movement around women’s sports. Increased investment, broader accessibility, and a commitment to storytelling have all helped to boost visibility for the WNBA in particular.

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.

Innovative Revenue Strategies for Local News Outlets in the Digital Age

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Innovative Revenue Strategies for Local News Outlets in the Digital Age

Local news outlets face mounting challenges in maintaining financial sustainability amid the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Subscription-based models and adaptive payment platforms have emerged as crucial solutions to these challenges. By embracing flexible payment options, these outlets are tapping into new revenue streams and enhancing user engagement.

The digital era has brought myriad challenges for local news outlets, primarily revolving around financial sustainability. With traditional advertising revenue dwindling and readers increasingly opting for free online content, local media must rethink its revenue strategies. Innovation is essential as these outlets strive to maintain their role as vital sources of information in their communities. One such innovation is adopting subscription-based models, which offer a more predictable income stream while fostering a deeper connection with readers.

Transition to adaptive payment platforms

The shift towards adaptive payment platforms represents a significant development in how local news outlets monetize their content. These platforms are designed to provide a seamless user experience, allowing readers to subscribe or purchase content using various payment methods easily. This adaptability enhances user convenience and opens up new avenues for monetization. By integrating diverse payment options, news outlets can cater to a broader audience with varying preferences and financial capabilities.

Adaptive payment platforms enable microtransactions, allowing readers to pay for individual articles or sections rather than committing to full subscriptions. This flexibility can attract occasional readers who long-term subscription commitments might deter. It also empowers users to support journalism that directly resonates with their interests, fostering a more personalized and engaging reader experience.

Furthermore, these adaptive platforms often incorporate sophisticated analytics tools that help news outlets better understand reader behavior and preferences. Publishers can make data-driven decisions about their content strategy and pricing models by tracking engagement metrics, payment patterns, and content consumption habits. This intelligence enables them to optimize their offerings, improve retention rates and identify opportunities for revenue growth through targeted content development and personalized subscription packages.

Benefits of offering flexible payment solutions

Offering diverse payment options, including the ability to buy BTC and make payments with it, enables local news outlets to expand their reach and appeal to a wider audience base. Flexible payment solutions remove barriers for potential subscribers who may have specific preferences or restrictions regarding how they wish to pay for content.

This flexibility extends beyond just accommodating different currencies; it also involves adapting pricing structures based on user behavior and preferences. Dynamic pricing models allow publishers to adjust costs according to demand or reader engagement levels, optimizing revenue potential without alienating price-sensitive consumers.

Ultimately, providing multiple payment methods fosters inclusivity by ensuring that all prospective subscribers have access regardless of their preferred financial tools or geographic location. As global connectivity increases through digital platforms, this inclusive approach proves financially and socially beneficial, strengthening bonds between journalists and audiences worldwide!

Subscription-based models

Subscription-based models have become increasingly vital for sustaining local news outlets in the current digital landscape. These models provide a steady revenue stream that supports journalistic endeavors while reducing reliance on volatile advertising markets. For readers, subscriptions offer access to exclusive content and insights often unavailable through free channels.

The success of subscription-based models hinges on the value proposition offered to subscribers. Local news outlets must ensure that their content remains relevant, timely and engaging to justify the subscription cost. This often involves investing in high-quality journalism and offering unique perspectives that differentiate them from larger national publications.

Moreover, offering tiered subscription plans can cater to different audience segments, from casual readers seeking general news updates to avid consumers looking for in-depth analyses and investigative reporting. By tailoring subscription options, local news outlets can maximize their reach and revenue potential while fostering stronger community ties.

In conclusion, as the digital age continues to reshape the media landscape, local news outlets must adapt to survive. By transitioning to adaptive payment platforms, offering flexible payment solutions and embracing subscription-based models, they can secure their place in the industry. These innovative strategies not only enhance the user experience but also provide a sustainable revenue stream, ensuring that quality journalism thrives in the digital era. While the challenges are significant, the opportunities for growth and engagement are equally promising, making this an exciting time for local news organizations.

Greg Olsen: Tom Brady Already Had a ‘Futures Deal’ When I Was Elevated To Top NFL on FOX Broadcast Team

BSM Staff
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Greg Olsen: Tom Brady Already Had a ‘Futures Deal’ When I Was Elevated To Top NFL on FOX Broadcast Team

Former NFL tight end and FOX Sports NFL analyst Greg Olsen isn’t pretending the arrival of Tom Brady didn’t shake up his role at the network—but he’s not bitter about it either. Appearing on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, Olsen addressed what it’s been like moving to FOX’s second broadcast team after spending two years on the network’s top crew alongside play-by-play voice Kevin Burkhardt.

“It’s not something that I’ve shied away from, and I’m happy to talk about it,” Olsen said. “I’ve always wanted to be good at whatever I do. I’m going to do everything in my power to be as good. I’m never going to be the best, I don’t have to be the best at it, but I don’t know how else to do it.”

Olsen, who joined FOX full-time after retiring from the NFL in 2021, was quickly elevated to the lead broadcast booth following the departure of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman to ESPN in 2022. That promotion gave him the chance to call Super Bowl LVII, a rare opportunity for a second-year analyst. However, Olsen knew from the beginning that Brady’s presence loomed large.

“We [Burkhardt and Olsen] knew going into that, Tom already had signed a futures deal in essence to be determined whenever he was done playing. He had a deal on the table before I got elevated from the two crew with Kevin to the one crew,” Olsen said. “I knew going in I was going to call the ‘A’ crew for a year and past that was to be determined. It ended up being two years, so I got to call the Super Bowl year and one additional year, and then Tom [Brady] came.”

Brady, who signed a reported 10-year, $375 million deal with FOX Sports in 2022, officially stepped into the lead analyst role this past season. That decision pushed Olsen to the secondary team, now alongside play-by-play voice Joe Davis and sideline reporter Pam Oliver.

Despite the reshuffling, Olsen says his relationship with Brady has only improved since they became coworkers. “Tom and I’s relationship, both professionally and personally, is really good,” Olsen said.

Olsen emphasized that his personal goals in broadcasting remain unchanged, regardless of who sits in the No. 1 seat.

“My ascension individually doesn’t have to come at the expense of him,” Olsen said. “If he has a long career in this industry, so can I.”

As for what comes next, Olsen is focused on excelling in his new role while continuing to grow in the business.

“I love broadcasting. I love talking football. I love presenting the game in a fun way,” he said. “I hope to do this for the next 20 years—what that looks like, no one knows.”

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.

ACC Network Adds Jimbo Fisher to ‘ACC Huddle’ Program

BSM Staff
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ACC Network Adds Jimbo Fisher to ‘ACC Huddle’ Program

As the ACC Football Kickoff event got underway Tuesday in Charlotte, ACC Network rolled out a wave of programming announcements for the 2025 season, headlined by the addition of national championship-winning coach Jimbo Fisher to its studio analyst team.

Fisher, who led Florida State to a national title in 2013 and won three straight ACC Championships from 2012 to 2014, will now bring his coaching acumen to television. He joins the ACC Huddle cast alongside host Taylor Tannebaum, former Clemson standout Eric Mac Lain, and Virginia Tech legend Eddie Royal. Former FSU quarterback EJ Manuel will shift to a new ESPN studio role this fall but will continue contributing across ACCN platforms.

“Jimbo’s insight and championship perspective will add a powerful dynamic to ACC Huddle,” an ESPN executive said in a statement. “We’re excited to welcome him to the team.”

The move marks Fisher’s first foray into studio work since stepping away from the sidelines. Fisher, 59, was most recently the head coach at Texas A&M. He served the position from 2018 until 2023.

“I’m looking forward to joining ACC Network and the Huddle team this season,” Fisher said in a statement. “I’ve always had tremendous respect for this conference, and I’m looking forward to breaking down the action each week with such a talented group.”

In addition to Fisher’s hire, ACCN confirmed that ACC Huddle will go on the road each week this fall, broadcasting live from the site of the ACC’s top game. The show, which airs Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET, will now be a visible on-campus presence at the conference’s biggest matchups and will be open for public viewing at each stop.

The first three ACC Huddle locations were also unveiled including week one as Clemson hosts LSU on August 30. Week two will see the program travel for Duke hosting Illinois, with week three focused on Georgia Tech hosting Clemson in Atlanta.

Studio coverage from ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Conn. will continue with Kelsey Riggs Cuff, Mark Richt, and Tom Luginbill anchoring halftime reports, game wraps, and a new edition of ACC Network Final Score, recapping the day’s action with highlights, interviews and analysis.

Additionally, ACCN will launch a new twice-weekly football studio show later this summer. Hosted by EJ Manuel and former Georgia Tech captain Roddy Jones, the ACC Network Football Podcast will air at 5 p.m. ET and will feature deep dives into teams, players and top storylines. The show will also be available on the ESPN App and podcast platforms.

Further details on ACC Network’s complete fall studio lineup are expected in the coming weeks from ESPN.

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.

CBS Sports Golf Analyst Ian Baker-Finch Announces Retirement

BSM Staff
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CBS Sports Golf Analyst Ian Baker-Finch Announces Retirement

After more than three decades covering professional golf, Ian Baker-Finch is stepping away from the broadcast booth at CBS Sports.

The longtime CBS Sports golf analyst says he is retiring from broadcasting, capping a 30-year run in the industry, including the last 19 years with CBS Sports. The former Open Championship winner shared the news in a heartfelt message that celebrated his dual career in golf and television.

“After 19 incredible years as a golf analyst with CBS Sports and a remarkable 30-year journey in the industry, I am announcing my retirement from broadcasting,” Baker-Finch wrote via a statement. “I carry with me immense gratitude and pride for the moments we’ve shared on and off the course. Here’s to new adventures and the enduring love of golf.”

Baker-Finch’s voice became a trusted part of CBS’s golf coverage, contributing to some of the sport’s most iconic events, including The Masters, PGA Championship, and PGA Tour stops around the world. Known for his insight, humility, and calm demeanor, the Australian brought a thoughtful perspective to the booth that resonated with fans and colleagues alike.

In response to the news, CBS Sports President and CEO David Berson praised Baker-Finch’s career and legacy within the network.

“As a major champion during his successful playing career and over three decades in broadcasting, Ian Baker-Finch distinguished himself as one of the most respected and trusted voices in golf,” Berson said in a statement. “We’ll miss his passion, insight, warmth and steady presence on the air but know he will continue to make his mark across the world of golf.”

Berson added, “Finchy will always be part of the CBS Sports family, and we thank him for being an incredible teammate and friend, and for his immeasurable contributions the past 19 years at CBS.”

CBS has not yet announced who will replace Baker-Finch on its broadcast team, but the move marks the end of an era for a voice synonymous with the network’s golf presentation.

As Baker-Finch moves on to the next chapter, he does so with appreciation for the game and those who shared the journey. “You’ve made every moment in the booth a joy,” he wrote to his CBS colleagues, “transforming broadcasts into cherished memories.”

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.

‘VSiN By The Books’ Moving Broadcast to the Mint Gaming Hall in Kentucky Beginning Next Month

BSM Staff
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‘VSiN By The Books’ Moving Broadcast to the Mint Gaming Hall in Kentucky Beginning Next Month

VSiN has announced a first for the sports betting information network, which will launch officially next month. During an episode of VSiN By The Books, it was revealed that, in partnership with Circa Sports, the opening of Circa Sports Kentucky at The Mint Gaming Hall will house broadcasts on VSiN, including VSiN By The Books with host Dave Ross live on site.

“We are really excited because this is historic,” said Ross on Tuesday following the announcement. “We’ve never done this before. Everything is emanated out of Las Vegas for the entirety of VSiN. Now to take this to Kentucky, we got big shoes to keep this thing running and take this thing out of state for the first time.”

Furthermore, according to Ross, the first broadcast of VSiN By The Books live from the new Kentucky studios is scheduled for next month, with the hope that it will take place before the start of the college football season. Ross will be based in Kentucky for the program, while co-host Jensen Lewis will appear for the debut episode but will continue to work from outside the studio.

Additionally, Circa Sports Kentucky announced earlier this year its expansion in the state with the debut of Kentucky’s largest retail sportsbook at The Mint Gaming Hall Kentucky Downs in Franklin.

Circa Sports CEO Derek Stevens spoke last month about the importance of the partnership with VSiN and how excited he is to have their programming broadcast from the Bluegrass State.

“When I was putting a sportsbook together, VSiN is a critical component for us,” said Stevens last month. “They have a big impact on our sportsbook in Las Vegas. Bringing VSiN here to this sportsbook here we felt was a pretty important element.”

Moreover, the new 21-and-over venue features an 80-foot-wide LED screen, a 31-foot-wide odds board, and over 5,100 square feet of action-packed space.

Finally, Bill Adee explained last month to Kentucky Downs Racing that the plan is for VSiN By The Books to broadcast every weekday live from The Mint Gaming Hall, which includes 350 radio stations around the country and simulcasts on NESN and Marquee Sports Network.

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.

98.7 The Bull Portland Taps Jamie Tanchyk for Middays

BMM Staff
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98.7 The Bull Portland Taps Jamie Tanchyk for Middays

98.7 The Bull Portland is adding Jamie Tanchyk to middays starting Monday, July 28.

“After months of answering questions like, ‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’ and ‘Have you ever worked a grill?’ I’m pumped to be back on the air with Portland’s incredible Country fans,” said Tanchyk. “Big thanks to Ross MacLeod, Dylan Salisbury, Phil Becker, and Robert Dove not just for giving me this shot, but for pretending to be fascinated every time I bring up my chihuahuas. That’s what I call leadership, or at least patience.”

“Bringing Jamie to KUPL is a strategic win for The Bull,” said Ross MacLeod, Content Director for 98.7 The Bull. “He’s got deep experience across multiple formats, strong local equity in Portland, and a track record of programming and performance success. He understands what makes this market tick, and he’s exactly the kind of talent who can strengthen our connection with listeners and grow the brand.”

Tanchyk is well-known to Portland listeners. He previously served as PD of Hot AC Bella 105 and afternoon host on Country sibling 99.5 The Wolf until March’s corporate downsizing.

This move follows the recent exit of Danny Dwyer and Jake Byron. (BMM 7/16)

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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