After returning from a cancer diagnosis amidst her maternity leave, Fox News contributor Kat Timpf has revealed she’ll be away from her duties with the network and its late-night show Gutfeld! to continue her battle.
During the Fox News late-night show, Timpf shared that she’s going to step away for a few weeks to continue her recovery from a breast cancer diagnosis.
“When I came back, I said that I still had some more surgeries to go — and my first one is next week — so I’m going to be out for a couple of weeks,” Timpf said. “Even the best-case scenario with breast cancer can involve quite a road to feeling whole again. This is the first step in that journey. Just so the internet can’t come up with theories about where I am — that’s where I am.”
Kat Timpf made her return to work in June after stepping away in February to go on maternity leave. However, just before her first child was born, she was informed that she had breast cancer. She later underwent a double mastectomy in March, but had been relatively mum on what her future looked like before marking her return to Gutfeld! about a month ago.
Timpf concluded her message by noting that she’s grateful for all of the support she’s received from the Fox News and Gutfeld! audiences.
“Thank you, everyone, for all your support, vibes, prayers, or however you show it. I really appreciate it, and I can’t wait to come back soon.”
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.
Audacy is expanding the leadership responsibilities of programming executive JR Ammons, naming him Brand Manager for Mix 96.5 KHMX-FM in Houston. The move places Ammons in charge of the station’s overall programming strategy, operations, and talent development.
This move adds to Ammons’ current leadership portfolio, which includes oversight of 99.7 The Point KZPT-FM and 106.5 The Wolf WDAF-FM in Kansas City, as well as 102.5 KEZK and Y98 KYKY-FM in St. Louis. He also serves as Vice President of Programming for Audacy Kansas City.
“JR is a great leader who has delivered outstanding results, and I look forward to seeing him expand his expertise to Mix 96.5,” said Audacy Houston SVP and Market Manager Sarah Frazier.
“Mix 96.5 is one of the most listened to Hot AC stations in the country, with a weekly audience of over a million people,” Ammons said. “I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to work alongside the talented team at KHMX.”
Ammons rejoined Audacy in 2022 after serving 11 years as Operations Manager for WZPL-FM, WNTR-FM, and WXNT-AM in Indianapolis. His programming career also includes stops at WSTR-FM in Atlanta, WAPE-FM in Jacksonville, and KMXV-FM in Kansas City.
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.
Dee Dee Parker has wrapped up her run as midday host on SummitMedia’s Urban AC “98.7 Kiss FM” WBHK in Birmingham, AL.
She joined the station in October 2023.
In addition to her Birmingham duties, Parker also handled midday shifts for sister station “107.3 Jamz” WJMZ in the Greenville-Spartanburg market.
Parker was previously a co-host on the nationally syndicated “The Chubb Rock Show.” She was also on air at AC Majic 107.5 WAMJ in Atlanta.
SummitMedia has not yet announced plans for a permanent replacement in the time slot.
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.
Reaction has been pouring in following news of the passing of Chicago sports radio personality Harry Teinowitz at the age of 64. Teinowitz was a staple of the wildly popular Mac, Jurko, and Harry on ESPN Chicago, drawing massive ratings and notoriety from around the country as a co-host of the “Afternoon Saloon.”
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Teinowitz suffered from heart and liver issues and had received a liver transplant within the last two years. The 64-year-old sports radio talent first appeared in Chicago on rival station 670 The Score, where he made football selections on Tom Shaer’s morning program. From there, his career would take him to stops at 97.9 The Loop and WGN Radio, eventually ending up at ESPN Chicago.
As morning began in the Windy City, ESPN Chicago host Jonathan Hood announced the news of Teinowitz’s passing to begin this morning’s Kap & J. Hood show.
“Harry was the ultimate teammate,” remembered Hood. “He was someone that would walk over to your cubicle, your desk or your office and offer a handshake, a smile, and all while he’s leaving you with a joke and a smile. He did that all the time.”
Following the emotional tribute, Hood dived into Teinowitz’s history on ESPN Chicago, including his beginnings co-hosting with Spike Manton. He called the pairing “unconventional and irreverent,” as it featured two comedians sharing a deep love for Chicago sports. Furthermore, Hood noted that Teinowitz’s contributions on Mac, Jurko, and Harry from 2001 to 2009 elevated the radio station to new heights it had not seen before.
“They were number one for many years because of their chemistry. Harry is a big part of that,” said Hood. “Harry was the highlight of all of that, because of his bright personality and his lighthearted nature that he provided to all of us as listeners and teammates of his here at ESPN 1000.”
Moreover, Hood credited Teinowitz’s vast knowledge of Chicago sports and his amazing memory for recalling events surrounding both sports and music—qualities that resonated with the listening audience daily for many years. When Hood previously hosted evenings following Mac, Jurko, and Harry, he knew he was walking into a loyal and energized audience every night.
“They set the station on fire,” said Hood. “Now you gotta be able to take the torch from them and just be able to keep it going. I was always happy to know that when my show started in the evening, I’m coming off the hottest show in Chicago sports at the time.”
In addition to his work in sports radio, Teinowitz had a deep passion for comedy and horse racing. Notably, he grew up around the sport, as his father owned four horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby.
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.
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.
SiriusXM is giving soccer fans across North America another reason to tune in this summer. Today the satellite radio platform announced it will be the exclusive national provider for both the 2025 MLS All-Star Game and the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge held July 22–23 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, the home of Austin FC.
Listeners will be able to hear all the action on SiriusXM FC (channel 157), the network’s 24/7 soccer channel, available in vehicles and through the SiriusXM app.
This year’s All-Star Game will pit Major League Soccer’s top players against the best from Mexico’s LIGA MX, continuing a cross-border rivalry that has grown in popularity. Austin FC head coach Nico Estévez will manage the MLS squad, with a full 26-man roster of the brightest stars from around the league.
Calling the action for SiriusXM will be veteran broadcaster Max Bretos on play-by-play, alongside analyst and former U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeper Tony Meola. Keith Costigan, known for his work with Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, will serve as sideline reporter, while longtime soccer journalist Tom Rennie will provide additional coverage and insight.
The match is scheduled to kick off on July 23 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Ahead of the game, SiriusXM will air a special live edition of New Ground, hosted by Jalil Anibaba and Allen Hopkins, live from Q2 Stadium between 8–9 p.m. ET.
The previous night, July 22, the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge will also be broadcast live by SiriusXM at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT. The same broadcast crew of Bretos, Meola, Costigan and Rennie will be on hand to describe the action as 10 MLS stars go head-to-head with 10 LIGA MX counterparts in a series of technical and creative challenges.
Before the Skills Challenge, the SiriusXM team will host a live three-hour edition of Summer Soccer Tonight from 5–8 p.m. ET, offering a preview of the All-Star festivities and interviews with participating players.
In addition to live match coverage, SiriusXM will provide exclusive behind-the-scenes content, including one-on-one interviews with MLS All-Stars and insight from Estévez.
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.
There’s a push from Congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump to slash funding to public broadcasters NPR and PBS. If new polling should be believed, that would be an unpopular move.
A new Harris Poll survey shows that 66% of Americans believe that public radio should receive federal funding. Additionally, 66% say that sending the funding to public radio is “a good value” for their tax dollars.
The support isn’t limited to only one side of the political aisle. 77% of self-identified Democrats responded favorably to federal funding continuing to NPR. Meanwhile, 58% of Republicans responded similarly.
76% of Democrats said they found good value with their tax dollars going to NPR, while 59% of Republicans agreed. An additional 71% of respondents said they thought public radio provided a valuable service to the community, while 69% said they trust the news and information provided by public radio.
The survey conducted by Harris Poll included more than 2,000 respondents aged 18 and older.
The release of the data comes as President Donald Trump has sued the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) in an effort to oust board members. He had previously attempted to fire the members, before it was determined that that was not an option.
Vice President JD Vance had to be called to the Senate floor to cast the tie-breaking vote to continue debate on funding the CPB on Tuesday after Republican Sens. Mitch McConnell (KY), Lisa Murkowski (AK), and Susan Collins (ME) joined all Democrats in voting against the measure. The Corporation, which funds NPR and PBS, is set to receive more than $1 billion in funding unless that allocation is removed.
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 ESPN host Sam Ponder is opening up about the circumstances surrounding her departure from the network, revealing in a recent interview that pushback over her support of female athletes in the transgender sports debate played a key role in her exit.
Ponder appeared on The Sage Steele Show, hosted by her former colleague, where she said she had been on ESPN’s radar for over a year after publicly endorsing voices like swimmer Paula Scanlan and former Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines—both of whom have spoken out against the participation of trans women in women’s sports.
“I kind of knew it was possible for a little over a year,” Ponder said. “In the summer of 2023, I had tweeted or retweeted at the time Paula Scanlan who was a swimmer at UPEN with Lia Thomas. She had shared her story. I tweeted something to the effect of it’s worth listening to her story. This is really powerful, and didn’t thinks that was going to get much of a response. It did. But then Sage and I both got the same email.”
That email, according to Ponder, warned her that ESPN leadership was uncomfortable with her commentary and that she should refrain from “misgendering people.” When she asked for specifics, Ponder said the executive admitted he wasn’t sure what policy she had violated.
Soon after, Ponder says she received a detailed follow-up email pointing out that she had “liked” a tweet by Megyn Kelly that read similar to, “Men don’t need gynecologists.” While Ponder didn’t seem to find the content of Kelly’s tweet an issue, ESPN flagged that action as problematic as well as a number of other ones.
Following that e-mail exchange, Ponder says she knew she wouldn’t be long at the network.
“I wrote a really long email that was firing off all my thoughts, but I saved it as a draft and didn’t send anything,” said Ponder. “I knew then that I was on the clock if you will.”
Ponder then explained how she was asked to tape a feature for women’s history month in which she would explain the story of a woman who was most inspirational to her. She said she wanted to do a piece on Riley Gaines, but instead chose to tape a piece on her mother fearing company backlash.
Later that month, ESPN did a feature on Lia Thomas during women’s history month who became the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I national championship in any sport.
“That did something to me. I don’t know why, it’s kind of emotional to me,” explained Ponder. “There’s so many incredible women who have dealt with the struggles that are unique to womanhood. For the company to basically say, ‘We’re going to take that spot. We’re going to give it to someone who by their own admission has only “become a woman” within the last year.'”
Though Ponder emphasized that she doesn’t believe she was fired solely over her social media activity, she acknowledged the timing wasn’t coincidental. “The model of my career at that point—only working Sundays on Countdown—wasn’t what they wanted,” said Ponder. “I had been really clear on my boundaries at work. I really don’t think my losing my job was solely because of that [social media posts], but the timing almost certainly was,” she said referencing another post criticizing a trans woman boxing a female opponent.
“They texted me for a call while I was out shopping for NFL gear for my son,” Ponder added. “That’s when I knew.”
Ponder says she did get some support following her dismissal from people at “the top of the company” saying that there is a “loud activist group at Disney,” the parent company of ESPN.
“I should’ve been a lot more courageous,” she admitted. “I wasn’t even really giving my own opinions about it more as much as I was saying listen to these girls. They’re in the locker rooms. Why did they’re opinions not deserve a platform when we’re giving awards for women’s history month to someone born male? I couldn’t understand it.”
Despite the rocky exit, Ponder expressed no bitterness. “It’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. I was on the hamster wheel and wouldn’t have jumped off on my own. I needed to get kicked off,” she said.
Ponder spent over a decade at ESPN and most recently served as a host on Sunday NFL Countdown.
“I feel no bitterness or even frankly sadness,” said Ponder. “I had a great career.”
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 FS1 personality Marcellus Wiley is offering his candid, unfiltered look into the internal dynamics at FOX Sports following the recent wave of show cancellations and talent departures, including the network’s decision not to renew Joy Taylor’s contract and the exit of executive Charlie Dixon.
In a recent video posted to his personal platform, Wiley did not mince words, suggesting that Taylor’s departure was tied directly to her alleged connection to Dixon, who was dismissed after facing multiple lawsuits involving misconduct allegations. Wiley emphasized that he was not assigning guilt, but noted the “receipts” are real and that internal investigations had already painted a clear enough picture for leadership to act.
“When the first lawsuit hit, they put [Charlie] on administrative leave,” Wiley said. “Second lawsuit hits, they let him go. Then I knew—Joy [Taylor] ain’t long for this. They’re going to get rid of Joy, and I was like ‘damn.’”
Wiley said that FOX executives, including CEO Eric Shanks, likely viewed the swirling allegations as a liability, even if individuals named were not formally charged. “Guilty or not, we can’t have her just hanging out here having all of that clout of allegation just in this building,” Wiley said, referencing others who were mentioned in legal filings.
“Aint this f***ed up,” Wiley questioned. “Joy [Taylor] got to go and everything Charlie [Dixon] touched or didn’t touch, I’m talking in terms of shows not just people. Everything had to go.”
Wiley also touched on FS1’s reshuffling of its daytime lineup, including what he claims was a plan to replace him with Taylor. According to Wiley, Taylor and co-host Emmanuel Acho had become central to what was originally Speak For Yourself, eventually rebranded as Speak, after Wiley and Jason Whitlock exited. However, he claimed their [Taylor and Acho] ‘partnership’ eventually frayed—further complicating matters for the two talents leading to a separation of programs.
“Charlie gone. Joy gone. Acho got to go,” Wiley said. “So that’s two different shows now ’cause they split. This could have been a little cleaner, but they had to get rid of Joy because of the Charlie [Dixon] convo. They had to get rid of Acho because of the Joy convo. So that’s two different shows.”
He added that the deteriorating working relationship between Taylor and Acho, combined with the network’s internal politics and public perception, made it increasingly difficult for FS1 to keep either host in place. “It was getting sticky,” Wiley said, alluding to the rumored personal dynamics that spilled into professional consequences.
Wiley did not spare criticism of FS1’s management either, alleging that Dixon’s handling of talent and relationships helped accelerate instability at the network. He claimed multiple personalities, including Keyshawn Johnson, Michael Irvin, and Paul Pierce, were affected by the ripple effect of internal decisions tied to Taylor and Dixon.
Regarding the cancellation of Breakfast Ball, Wiley stated that the network “never loved that show” referencing an executive with the network saying that the program “was s**t.”
While Wiley admitted he wasn’t pleased to see anyone lose their job, he said there was a sense of vindication after years of watching what he believed were behind-the-scenes power plays. “I’m not happy when anybody loses their way,” Wiley said. “But we saw this coming.”
FS1 has not commented publicly on the specific claims Wiley made. As for Wiley himself, he said he received what he called a “bad offer” from the network before his exit, and made it clear that his departure wasn’t simply about ratings—it was about respect.
“The love language in sports and in media is how much you paying me,” he said.
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.
Longtime Chicago sports radio personality Harry Teinowitz has passed away at the age of 64. Teinowitz was a staple of the wildly popular Mac, Jurko, and Harry on ESPN Chicago, drawing massive ratings and notoriety from around the country as a co-host of the “Afternoon Saloon.”
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Teinowitz suffered from heart and liver issues and had received a liver transplant within the last two years. The 64-year-old sports radio talent first appeared in Chicago on rival station 670 The Score, where he made football selections on Tom Shaer’s morning program. From there, his career would take him to stops at 97.9 The Loop and WGN Radio, eventually ending up at ESPN Chicago.
In addition to his work in sports radio, Teinowitz had a passion for comedy and horse racing. Notably, he grew up around the sport, with his father owning four horses that would run in the Kentucky Derby.
As news became public of Teinowitz’s passing, current and former members of Chicago’s sports media quickly reacted to the news. In fact, tributes poured in across social media, highlighting the impact Teinowitz had on the local sports landscape and the broadcasting community.
Rest in peace to our good friend, Harry Teinowitz. We will miss you.
He loved life, and many with whom he shared it. Harry was authentic, kind, unassuming. We battled. And we loved, these last few years particularly. No show ever filled the gym like ours did. None before, none since. Sky point @HeyTweetHarry . #ClosingTime#PullUpAChair
Got the call today that my good friend Harry Teinowitz passed away, & my heart just sank. He believed in me before I believed in myself. Always lifting me up, always in my corner. Harry was the kind of friend everyone hopes to have in their life. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/HcsWGBboAG
Sad to hear about my friend Harry Teinowitz. He was the first guy I ever interviewed on WNTH in high school. He helped me get my internship at ESPN1000.
A naturally hilarious guy who had such a big heart. He’d always ask about my kids and remembered EVERYONE’S name.
Harry Teinowitz was a sweet heart to anyone who met him. Always had a kind word of encouragement. He loved to underline what you did well and got pleasure in rooting for his friends to succeed.
His positive attitude and will to live through the numerous challenges from a liver…
Harry was a funny, talented, considerate friend who cared deeply about family, sports and laughter. Cherish my memories working with HT at 2 different stops, where he brought same wit and passion to entertain. Health issues made final years difficult but may he now rest in peace. https://t.co/1DQtER0Xy8
So saddened to hear we lost @HeyTweetHarry from my days with @KevinMatthews to our time at @ESPN1000 Harry was an original, and very funny! From Acting, stage, comedy, radio- his comedic timing was perfect. All with a sly smirk! RIP Harry. Peace to his family 🙏🏻
RIP @HeyTweetHarry Funny, Witty, the life of the party. Liver Transplant recipient. Comedian, “Movie Star”, Playwright. Loved the Cubs and Springsteen. Father, Brother. Loved Chocolate. #RIPHThttps://t.co/9yGBvVv3QM
Working with Harry and his partner Spike Manton was my first real radio job. It's where I learned that I could do this for real. I've done a lot since but I remembered he was the first one to pick me for the team. Rest in peace, Tiny.https://t.co/PoW21UrV1c
One of my most popular stories ever was this oral history of the "Afternoon Saloon." Harry Teinowitz was a talented radio host. He was funny and he knew EVERYTHING about Chicago sports history.https://t.co/oKZUanIvLH
Harry Teinowitz was kind. He was welcoming. He was genuine. He made people feel good about themselves. He cared. He was the friend who always remembered your birthday and was always trying to put a smile on your face. He was a true original — and I will miss him.
After growing up listening to him, I feel so fortunate that I got to spend 5+ years working with Harry Teinowitz. He was so kind and would do anything for a laugh. You couldn’t help but smile around him.
Almost all of our conversations started with Harry asking me if my dad was…
“Mac, Jurko & Harry” is what got me interested in radio and essentially media as a career. I went to a remote at the Cubby Bear in Lincolnshire with my brother in high school and saw how much fun Harry Teinowitz and the guys were having and that was their job.
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.
