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Sid Rosenberg Disappointed 77 WABC Hosts Ignored Benjamin Netanyahu Interview

Garrett Searight
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Sid Rosenberg Disappointed 77 WABC Hosts Ignored Benjamin Netanyahu Interview

Sid Rosenberg wanted more attention for a major interview. 77 WABC listeners heard his exclusive conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu.

What We Know: 77 WABC host Sid Rosenberg expressed disappointment that more of his colleagues did not discuss his exclusive interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Rosenberg interviewed Netanyahu on Monday morning following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). The interview drew attention beyond New York, with Rosenberg noting that the conversation received coverage in multiple international outlets. However, he said he expected more discussion from fellow hosts at the station.

What They Said: “I’m a bit disappointed that more hosts and people on this station did not talk about Bibi Netanyahu calling WABC. Everybody should have talked about it, to be honest … When I say that more hosts should have talked about it, you gotta understand, folks, WABC, the name of the station, and my name, Sid Rosenberg, it was all over the papers. All over the Middle East and Europe. I’ve got six different newspapers in Israel this morning and late last night talking about that conversation.” -Sid Rosenberg

What Remains Unclear: It remains unclear why other 77 WABC personalities did not spend more time discussing the Netanyahu interview. It is also unknown if those same hosts will respond to Rosenberg’s criticism.

What It Means: Rosenberg’s comments highlight the value broadcasters place on exclusive interviews with major political figures. Additionally, they show how hosts often view station-wide promotion as an important part of amplifying significant conversations.

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.

MS NOW Takes Live Event to Texas Ahead of 2026 Midterms

Garrett Searight
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MS NOW Takes Live Event to Texas Ahead of 2026 Midterms

MS NOW is taking its signature live event outside New York for the first time. The network will bring its annual gathering to Texas ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

What We Know: MS NOW announced that MS NOW Live: Together in Texas will take place Saturday, Sept. 26, at College Park Center on the University of Texas at Arlington campus. Tickets are on sale now. Each purchase includes an offer for a one-year subscription to the network’s upcoming membership program. The event will feature appearances from Rachel Maddow, Lawrence O’Donnell, Jen Psaki, Stephanie Ruhle, Ali Velshi, Ari Melber, Chris Hayes, Symone Sanders Townsend, Alicia Menendez, Jacob Soboroff, Eugene Daniels, Michael Steele, Luke Russert, and Rev. Al Sharpton. Additionally, attendees can purchase tickets for a limited-capacity dinner featuring Maddow and Psaki. It also includes a live taping of Clock It with Symone & Eugene, and an interactive segment with Soboroff.

What They Said: “After several incredible years in New York, we’re thrilled to take MS NOW Live on the road, this time to Texas, where everything is bigger, including the conversations shaping our collective futures. With a consequential midterm election only a few months away, we’re bringing our trusted anchors and reporters together to directly engage with our audience for a day filled with lively discussions, meaningful connections, and unforgettable moments that will highlight the power of democracy and community during such a critical point in our country’s history.” – MS NOW Live Executive Producer Lauren Peikoff

What Remains Unclear: MS NOW hasn’t announced additional guest speakers, a detailed programming schedule, or whether portions of the event will be livestreamed or later distributed across its television and digital platforms. Pricing details for the membership program also remain undisclosed.

What It Means: The move signals MS NOW’s continued investment in in-person audience engagement while expanding beyond its New York roots. Moreover, choosing Texas places a marquee event in a state expected to draw significant national attention during the 2026 midterm cycle. The announcement also reinforces MS NOW’s broader strategy of growing its audience in a variety of aspects.

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.

Bobby Bones Show Loses Key Cast Member This Week

David Hill
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Bobby Bones Show Loses Key Cast Member This Week

Morgan has announced her departure from The Bobby Bones Show. She is leaving after nearly 10 years on the program and 11 years with iHeartRadio. Her final day is this Friday.

What We Know: Morgan confirmed the decision was entirely her own. No one pressured her to leave. She spent her entire 20s with the show, experiencing major life milestones along the way. Additionally, her role managing the show’s social media exposed her to constant criticism — a toll she says significantly affected her mental health over the past year.

What They Said: Morgan addressed the emotional weight of the move directly. “I’ve realized how important it is to prioritize both my mental and physical well-being,” she said, adding that watching her parents age shifted her perspective on work-life balance. Bobby Bones expressed full support, telling her he would gladly recommend her for future opportunities whenever she was ready.

What Remains Unclear: Morgan has not secured a new job yet. However, she confirmed she has saved enough money to take time before making her next move. It’s also uncertain how the show will restructure following her exit, though Bobby publicly assured the team would figure it out.

What It Means: This departure carries real weight for country radio’s most-syndicated morning show. Morgan was a foundational presence, and her exit — combined with an upcoming wedding — signals a significant life reset. Furthermore, her willingness to walk away without a safety net says something broader about talent burnout and the emotional demands placed on morning show personalities today.

Ebro and Rosenberg’s Podcast Erupts in On-Air Insults

David Hill
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Ebro and Rosenberg’s Podcast Erupts in On-Air Insults

What started as a conversation about investing quickly became something else entirely. A heated exchange on the Ebro, Laura & Rosenberg Show escalated into a string of personal insults neither host held back.

What We Know: The dispute ignited when Ebro told Rosenberg point-blank, “You don’t have money to invest in anything.” Rosenberg was visibly rattled. He called Ebro “an a**hole” and accused him of deliberate disrespect. Ebro responded by calling Rosenberg “a bitch,” “a hoe,” and “a p***y” — all on the podcast.

What They Said: Rosenberg didn’t let the slight go unchallenged. “That was wild out of nowhere,” he shot back. “You don’t even have anything to invest in anything.” Ebro’s defense was straightforward: “I haven’t seen you invest in anything, so I didn’t know if that’s what you’re doing with your money.”

What Remains Unclear: The two eventually discovered they were simply using the phrase “money to invest” differently. However, it remains unclear what specifically triggered Ebro’s comment in the first place. It’s also unknown whether the blowup reflects longer-simmering tension between the co-hosts.

What It Means: Unfiltered moments like this are podcast gold — and a liability at the same time. Raw conflict drives audience engagement and clip-worthy content. But personal attacks between co-hosts can signal real fractures, not just entertaining radio. How a team handles the aftermath often matters more than the argument itself.

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.

Nexstar Media Group Endorses FCC Plan to Repeal TV Ownership Cap

Garrett Searight
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Nexstar Media Group Endorses FCC Plan to Repeal TV Ownership Cap

FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s proposal drew immediate praise from Nexstar Media Group. The broadcaster called the FCC review a long-overdue modernization effort.

What We Know: The FCC plans to vote on August 6th to repeal the national 39% television ownership cap and replace it with a case-by-case review process. Chairman Brendan Carr disclosed the proposal in a Wednesday morning op-ed published by Breitbart. Nexstar Media Group quickly endorsed the move, arguing the current ownership restrictions no longer reflect today’s media landscape. The timing is especially notable because Nexstar is pursuing a multi-billion-dollar acquisition of TEGNA. If approved, that transaction would expand Nexstar’s reach to roughly 80% of U.S. television households. That makes the FCC’s ownership review particularly significant for the company’s long-term strategy.

What They Said: “It’s been over two years since Chairman Carr astutely observed, ‘We are at a break glass moment for America’s broadcasters.’ The FCC’s decision to review the national television ownership cap is a welcome and long-overdue step toward bringing broadcast regulation into the modern media marketplace. These rules were last updated before Netflix streamed a single movie, before the first iPhone, and before Instagram existed, and they continue to single out local broadcasters based on a competitive landscape that disappeared with the VCR. No one would suggest limiting the reach of YouTube, Amazon, or CNN, yet local broadcasters are still forced to compete under rules written for a different century. Modernizing these outdated regulations will help ensure broadcasters can continue investing in local journalism and providing the free, trusted news and information that communities across America rely on every day.” – Nexstar Media Group spokesperson

What Remains Unclear: The FCC hasn’t explained how it would evaluate transactions exceeding the current ownership cap. It’s also unclear whether the commission would ultimately determine that Nexstar’s acquisition of TEGNA serves the public interest.

What It Means: The FCC’s review could have immediate implications for one of the television industry’s biggest pending deals. It could also open the door to further consolidation inside the local TV ownership realm. The August 6th vote could signal a major shift in how regulators balance competition, local broadcasting, and industry consolidation.

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.

FCC Sets August Vote to Repeal 39% TV Ownership Cap

Garrett Searight
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0
FCC Sets August Vote to Repeal 39% TV Ownership Cap

FCC Chair Brendan Carr has set a date for a pivotal media ownership vote. The FCC plans to consider repealing the national television ownership cap on August 6.

What We Know: FCC Chair Brendan Carr disclosed the timing of the vote in a Wednesday morning op-ed published by Breitbart. The proposal would repeal the long-standing 39% national television ownership cap and replace it with a case-by-case review process. Instead of automatically blocking transactions that exceed the existing threshold, the FCC would evaluate whether larger station combinations serve the public interest. If approved, the move would mark one of the commission’s most significant media ownership actions in years and could reshape how broadcast television groups pursue acquisitions and expansion.

What They Said: “It’s time to restore balance to the broadcast airwaves. And the FCC has a plan to do just that. On August 6, the FCC will vote on eliminating the outdated national cap in favor of a new case-by-case approach. Previously, the cap operated as a blanket prohibition on any and all deals that would combine stations in excess of the 39 percent limit—regardless of whether it was a good deal or a bad one for the country. Our new proposal would allow the FCC to approve deals that exceed the 39 percent cap, but only if doing so would promote the public interest.

“Repealing the national cap will provide essential relief for local broadcasters by restoring a healthy counterbalance to the growing leverage of national programmers. Increased scale will enable broadcasters to attract the capital and advertising revenue needed to sustain and produce trusted and community-focused news and programming.” -Brendan Carr

What Remains Unclear: It’s unknown how the commission’s other members will vote or whether any changes could emerge before the August meeting. In addition, the FCC hasn’t detailed the specific standards it would use when evaluating transactions above the current ownership threshold.

What It Means: If the proposal passes, broadcast television owners could gain new flexibility to pursue larger mergers and acquisitions. Supporters argue greater scale would help local broadcasters compete against national programmers and digital media companies. However, critics will likely raise concerns about additional industry consolidation and its potential impact on local competition and viewpoint diversity.

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 West Palm’s John Martin Returns To Work Following Battle With Cancer

John Mamola
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ESPN West Palm’s John Martin Returns To Work Following Battle With Cancer

John Martin has made his return to ESPN West Palm. The longtime host and marketing consultant returned this week after a year-long battle with cancer.

What We Know: Evan Cohen shared the news on ESPN Radio’s Unsportsmanlike Wednesday morning at part of ESPN Radio’s support of ‘The V Foundation.’ Martin, a longtime co-host and teammate of Cohen’s during his time at ESPN West Palm, stayed away from the station for over a year. Doctors kept him away from work entirely during treatment. Meanwhile, he underwent multiple surgeries, including one that lasted 12 hours, before returning to the station this Monday.

What They Said: (All quotes via ESPN Radio’s Unsportsmanlike)

ESPN Radio’s Evan Cohen on ESPN West Palm’s John Martin’s fight with cancer: “Over the last year, he has not been at ESPN West Palm. Not for work. Could not be. Doctors wouldn’t allow it. Was fighting cancer. At one point in one day. Had a 12-hour surgery in addition to another surgery to fight this. It’s one thing after another after another… Well, literally two days ago, for the first time in a year, on Monday of this week, he walked back into ESPN West Palm as a member of the team again.”

ESPN Radio’s Evan Cohen on the personality of ESPN West Palm host John Martin: “Everyone that knows him. He’s the hero. He’s that person, and he’s one of one. He is the person that you love and you trust, and he’s back at work literally one year later. It’s just an amazing thing.”

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear if Martin’s return will be in a full time capacity as he once served.

What It Means: Martin’s return marks a personal milestone and a symbolic one for the ESPN West Palm team. Cohen’s emotional tribute on ESPN Radio highlights how deeply colleagues can become family. For listeners, it signals a beloved voice is coming home. Ultimately, the moment says more about resilience, friendship, and support more than anything else in sports.

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.

Eric Edholm Rejoins Yahoo Sports Bolstering Platform’s NFL Coverage

John Mamola
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Eric Edholm Rejoins Yahoo Sports Bolstering Platform’s NFL Coverage

Yahoo Sports has a new-old voice. Eric Edholm is returning as an NFL writer for the third time with the platform.

What We Know: Edholm previously covered the NFL for Yahoo Sports from 2013 to 2017, then again from 2019 to 2022. This time, he’ll lead NFL Draft analysis while also writing about the league throughout the year. He’ll also appear across several Yahoo Sports shows. Overall, Edholm brings more than two decades of NFL coverage, with past stops at the Wall Street Journal, Pro Football Weekly, Sports Illustrated, and the NFL.

What They Said: Eric Edholm (via X): “Humbled to be back! Really excited about this season and beyond.”

What Remains Unclear: Yahoo Sports didn’t specify a start date for Edholm’s return. Meanwhile, contract length and any exclusivity terms weren’t disclosed.

What It Means: For Yahoo Sports, this hire restores a trusted, familiar voice to its NFL coverage. Consequently, the outlet strengthens its draft content heading into a crowded media cycle regarding the event. Furthermore, Edholm’s two-decade resume signals Yahoo’s continued investment in credible, experienced reporters. Ultimately, his third stint suggests both sides see lasting value in the partnership.

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.

YouTube Reportedly The Leading Platform For NBA Local Broadcast Hub As Early As 2027-2028 Season

John Mamola
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YouTube Reportedly The Leading Platform For NBA Local Broadcast Hub As Early As 2027-2028 Season

Adam Silver is reportedly aiming for an NBA’s local streaming hub to launch by 2027-28. According to a report by Sports Business Journal, YouTube is the leading candidate to host it.

What We Know: According to the report by SBJ, the 13 teams displaced by Main Street Sports Group’s collapse will sign one-year deals this season. The Heat, Pistons and Bucks have already locked in local OTA (over-the-air) contracts. The other 10 teams will pick between free TV and paywalled streaming for their local markets. By 2027-28, the hub could reportedly grow past 20 teams. The additions would be the NBC regional sports network clubs (Philadelphia, Boston, Golden State, Sacramento). In addition, five OTA squads (Utah, Phoenix, Portland, New Orleans, Dallas). League Pass, meanwhile, will remain with Amazon and will still black out local games.

What They Said: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver (via The New York Times): “We’ll cobble together a series of solutions for this season, but I feel good that we’ll have something on a national basis for the following year.”

What Remains Unclear: The NBA has not officially commented on the reporting. There are several teams with their own RSN agreements past the 2027-2028 season. Therefore, it’s also unclear whether those teams will join at all. For instance, the Los Angeles Lakers as set to earn $199 million and $209 million in rights fees over the next two seasons. Their price tag could determine how many marquee teams follow. The hub’s geofencing plan hasn’t been finalized either.

What It Means: With the collapse of the RSN’s nationwide, the NBA is seeking ease of discovery and also highest possible revenue to earn. By creating a hub for all local broadcasts, that could accomplish both for the league. YouTube’s reported edge suggests it wants local NBA rights alongside its existing sports footprint. Still, final pricing and the participant list will decide whether the hub actually unifies local NBA viewing.

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.

Barstool Sports Ends Unnecessary Roughness Podcast With Brandon Walker, Kaycee Smith

John Mamola
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0
Barstool Sports Ends Unnecessary Roughness Podcast With Brandon Walker, Kaycee Smith

Unnecessary Roughness is over. Brandon Walker and Kaycee Smith closed the podcast Wednesday, ending a seven-year run that shaped Barstool Sports’ college football coverage.

What We Know: Unnecessary Roughness launched in August 2019 as Barstool Sports’ flagship college football podcast featuring Walker and Smith. From there, the duo co-hosted the show for nearly seven years. On Wednesday, the pair confirmed that the show has ended as both talents mutually agreed to the finale. Meanwhile, Walker will launch a solo show, the Brandon Walker College Football Show, on August 3, while Smith will be focusing on more projects with the outlet’s partnership with FOX Sports. Both Walker and Smith will both continue hosting Barstool’s popular College Football Show.

What They Said: (all quotes via Unnecessary Roughness)

Brandon Walker on the end of the Unnecessary Roughness Podcast: “I am not doing the Brandon Walker College Football Show because I am tired of doing it with Kaycee Smith, or I don’t like Casey Smith. I love Kaycee Smith… I got hired on a whim and a joke. Honestly, I could have walked in this company. People turned their nose up at me. You want to do a college football show with me? She could have done that. She didn’t and welcomed me in. I walked in. She gave me a platform from day fu**ing one. She didn’t have to do that, and she did. I took it and did pretty good, but I don’t become Brandon Walker without Kaycee Smith.”

Kaycee Smith on the end of the Unnecessary Roughness Podcast: “I know that Barstool Sports is so different than it used to be. We used to all be in the same office, and we used to all be literally on top of each other, and now it’s so different. I am a host at this company. We know that I’m going to be hosting the College Football Show… You and I agreed on this. If you can end it on your own terms, then that’s what you should do. Because a lot of times it runs it into the dirt, and we’re not running it into the dirt.”

Brandon Walker on the launch of the Brandon Walker College Football Show on August 3: “I see the success of other guys out there that are doing solo stuff like [Josh] Pate and other guys. I just want to take a bite at the apple. I want to fu**ing try it and want to give it a shot. There’s no secret. At some point, I want to move back to Mississippi. I can’t do it if all of my success is tied to The Yak and Mostly Sports. I gotta have something that I can say, ‘Dave. This can go anywhere in the country. Let me take it to Mississippi.’ That is what I am doing here.”

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear if Smith will make guest appearances on Walker’s new solo project. Also, Smith hinted at a new project involving fellow Barstool Sports personality Jon Gruden coming up for the football season. Details on that have not been released.

What It Means: Walker’s move mirrors a wider shift toward solo sports-media brands. In fact, he cited Josh Pate’s independent success as a model to follow. For Barstool, the split signals confidence in both hosts individually. Both outgrew the success of the joint podcast in their own right. Walker has become a star with several Barstool programs including The Yak, Wake Up Barstool, and Mostly Sports. Smith has also branched out to more projects, especially with the partnership with FOX Sports.

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.

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