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Prime Video Officially Unveils Broadcasting Lineup for Debut NBA Season

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Prime Video is entering the NBA broadcasting space with authority, unveiling a deep and accomplished roster of play-by-play voices, analysts, and sideline reporters for its inaugural season of NBA on Prime coverage.

Headlining the broadcast team are veteran play-by-play announcers Ian Eagle, Kevin Harlan, Michael Grady, and Eric Collins. They’ll be joined by a wide-ranging group of analysts including Hall of Famers Steve Nash and Dwyane Wade, WNBA icon Candace Parker, longtime coach and commentator Stan Van Gundy, as well as former NBA standouts Brent Barry and Dell Curry.

On the sidelines, the team will include experienced reporters Cassidy Hubbarth, Allie Clifton, and Kristina Pink.

Eagle, widely respected for his versatility and storytelling, brings over three decades of NBA experience. He has served as the voice of the Brooklyn Nets and worked national NBA and NCAA Tournament broadcasts for TNT and CBS, respectively. Eagle, who became the lead voice of the Men’s Final Four in 2024, said he’s eager to help build something fresh at Prime Video.

“To be a part of building something from the ground up is truly special,” Eagle said. “Prime Video has put together an extraordinary group.”

Harlan, another legendary voice, echoed Eagle’s enthusiasm. With nearly 50 years in the business, Harlan’s resume includes NBA on TNT, the NFL on CBS, and a historic stint as the original play-by-play voice of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to be part of something so special,” said Harlan.

Grady and Collins round out the play-by-play rotation. Grady has worked NBA and WNBA games for ESPN and YES Network, while Collins brings his signature enthusiasm from Charlotte Hornets broadcasts and stints with FOX Sports and ESPN.

Prime Video’s analyst bench is equally formidable. Van Gundy, who’s worked for both TNT and CBS Sports, adds a coaching pedigree that spans four NBA franchises. Barry, a two-time NBA champion and longtime executive with the Spurs, most recently served as an assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns. Curry, the Charlotte Hornets’ all-time leading scorer, continues his post-playing career in broadcasting after more than a decade behind the mic.

On the sidelines, Hubbarth brings years of experience from ESPN, Clifton adds versatility from her time with Spectrum SportsNet and podcasting with NBA veterans, and Pink contributes NFL and Clippers coverage experience from FOX Sports.

“This is a group that truly loves the NBA,” said Jared Stacy, Prime Video’s Global Head of Production. “We’re excited to watch them share their passion and insights with fans starting this fall.”

Prime Video’s exclusive NBA coverage begins Friday, October 24, with an opening week doubleheader. Additional production details will be announced in the coming months. The NBA signed its 11-year media rights deal with Disney, NBC and Amazon Prime Video in July of last years after saying it was not accepting Warner Bros. Discovery’s $1.8 billion per year offer to continue its longtime relationship with the league.

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1080 KRLD, Talk Radio 1370 Continuing Coverage of Texas Flooding

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The fallout from major flooding in Central Texas continues. Stations like 1080 KRLD and Talk Radio 1370 are continuing coverage of the event.

Over the weekend, the two Audacy news/talk stations in Dallas and Austin, respectively, featured coverage of the flood, as now more than 100 have died in the disaster, including nearly 40 children.

1080 KRLD and Texas State Networks reporter Christopher Fox has been reporting from the Guadalupe River between Kerrville and Centerpoint, Texas, as the flooding has unfolded. Additionally, he’s been providing coverage to other Audacy stations and CBS News Radio affiliates around the country. The Texas State Network features more than 100 affiliates across the state.

“NewsRadio 1080 (KRLD-AM) has been a critical lifeline for Texans,” said Audacy News/Talk Format Vice President and 1080 KRLD Brand Manager Drew Anderssen. “Our commitment to timely and essential news, weather and traffic information never wavered in the early days of this tragedy, over the 4th of July holiday weekend, and we are committed to continuing our compassionate and impactful coverage in the days ahead.”

Furthermore, Talk Radio 1370 has a dedicated page on its website for information relating to the support of first responders and those impacted by the storms and flooding. The station is also providing updates on the cluster’s FM music stations with reports as needed.

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Nick Wright Joins World Series of Poker Main Event Final Table Broadcast

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FS1 host and commentator Nick Wright has announced he will be part of the World Series of Poker Main Event Final Table broadcast. Wright made the announcement during an episode of his What’s Wright? With Nick Wright podcast, calling the opportunity one of the few professional goals he has always dreamed of achieving.

Wright expressed his gratitude for the opportunity as he prepares to head to Las Vegas next week to broadcast on PokerGO.

“This will be one of the five coolest moments of my professional career,” said Wright. “This is a true dream. This is something that I have been trying to set the table for the better part of 10 years, if I’m being totally honest. And really put real effort into a strategy to make this a possibility over the last five years.”

Additionally, the FS1 First Things First host recalled a time when he played 17-time WSOP bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth in a poker tournament back in 2021 and lost to the poker legend. Wright said he used that moment as motivation, calling it an investment in getting more involved in the poker world on a deeper level. That experience, he noted, ultimately led to the opportunity to be on the call for the annual high-stakes event.

“It is close to as cool as it gets for me, and I am overwhelming excited to do it,” said Wright.

Although full broadcast plans for PokerGO have not yet been announced, Wright said he hopes to be working alongside the crew of Brent Hanks, Ali Nejad, Jeff Platt, and possibly Nick Schulman.

As excited as Wright is for the opportunity, he also understands that some World Series of Poker viewers may not be thrilled about his participation in the Final Table broadcast. Nevertheless, while he admits he cannot guarantee his contributions will be flawless, he assured those viewers that he will bring his absolute best to the commentary booth.

“All I can say to you is I give you my word. Nobody will take this more seriously than me,” said Wright. “As far as treating this event with the gravity and the professionalism that it clearly deserves. I can promise you I will not let the poker world down.”

Finally, the World Series of Poker Main Event broadcasts are scheduled to take place July 15–16 on PokerGO.

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Kevin Harlan, Brent Barry Join Amazon Prime NBA Coverage

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Veteran play-by-play broadcaster Kevin Harlan has found a new NBA home. After nearly three decades with TNT Sports, Harlan has officially signed a deal with Amazon Prime Video to call NBA games beginning with the 2025–26 season. According to The Athletic, the multi-year agreement marks another high-profile addition to Amazon’s growing sports media roster.

Harlan’s tenure at Turner spanned from 1996 through 2025, culminating with his final call during the Pacers-Knicks series on May 31. That game also marked Turner’s last NBA broadcast, closing a significant chapter in basketball media history.

Alongside Harlan, Amazon has added former NBA guard Brent Barry as a game analyst. Barry brings a multifaceted resume that includes 14 years as a player, stints as a broadcaster with Turner and NBA TV, and front office and coaching experience with the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns, respectively.

Sources tell The Athletic the streamer plans to use a flexible approach with its analyst crews. Rotating two- and three-person booths are expected, with combinations that may include Harlan alongside Candace Parker and Stan Van Gundy one night, or Ian Eagle paired with Steve Nash and Dwyane Wade the next. Analysts such as Nash, Parker, and Wade will reportedly rotate between studio and game coverage roles.

Amazon enters the NBA media landscape this fall under the league’s new 11-year, $76 billion rights deal that includes ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video. To prepare, Amazon has built a star-studded talent lineup featuring Eagle, Michael Grady, Blake Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki, Dell Curry, and Cassidy Hubbarth, who will serve as the lead sideline reporter. Taylor Rooks will anchor studio coverage.

Amazon also holds the rights to one of the 2027 NBA Conference Finals, with Eagle expected to lead that broadcast. Internally, The Athletic reports Amazon doesn’t designate an “A” or “B” team among its play-by-play voices, viewing Harlan and Eagle as equally elite.

Harlan will continue his NFL duties with CBS while calling NBA on Amazon.

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Dennis Quaid Joins TRHOF in Texas Flood Relief Campaign

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Hollywood veteran and Texas native Dennis Quaid is stepping behind the mic for a cause close to home, teaming up with the Texas Radio Hall of Fame (TRHOF) to support flood recovery efforts in the Texas Hill Country.

Quaid recorded a series of public service announcements (PSAs) aimed at rallying public support for those impacted by the recent severe flooding. TRHOF Executive Director Doug Harris spearheaded the campaign. It brings together voices from across the radio and entertainment industries to help raise awareness and mobilize aid.

The PSAs, available in 15- and 30-second formats, were produced by Ray Schilens of the Radio Lounge. They are now accessible for broadcast through the TRHOF website. Quaid’s contribution adds star power to an already growing list of voices uniting to support local recovery efforts.

TRHOF’s campaign encourages radio stations across the state to join in by airing the PSAs and driving listeners to participate in relief efforts. The initiative reflects the enduring strength of local radio in uniting communities and delivering help where it’s needed most.

Get the PSA’s and find out how to help here.

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WGN Radio Hosts Bob Sirott, John Landecker to Unite For One-Hour Show

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WGN Radio hosts Bob Sirott and John Landecker will untie for a one-hour show in what they’re calling a special hour of 1970s nostalgia.

The two will reminisce about their time working together from 1973 to 1980 as music DJs in the Windy City.

The segment will air during Landecker’s program on Thursday from 8 to 9 PM. It will be labeled as For Radio Geeks Only.

“We played the hits and had more fun than humans should be allowed to have,” said Sirott. “Besides the music, there were encounters with stars, personal appearances with fans and endless stories to go with it all.”

The two say they plan to talk about some of the legendary moments they’ve been a part of, as well as behind-the-scenes stories from their tenures working in music radio in the 1970s, among other topics.

Bob Sirott currently hosts mornings from 6-10 AM on WGN Radio. Meanwhile, John Landecker hosts from 7-10 PM on Monday through Thursday evenings for the Chicago news/talk station.

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Amazon Prime To Add Dell Curry as NBA Analyst

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Amazon Prime Video continues to make aggressive moves in building its NBA broadcast roster — and its latest hire has both strategic and star power appeal. Dell Curry, the longtime Charlotte Hornets broadcaster and father of NBA superstar Steph Curry, is expected to join Amazon’s coverage team as an analyst for the 2025–26 NBA season, according to Front Office Sports.

Curry’s addition adds another layer to Prime Video’s ambitious entry into NBA broadcasting, which coincides with the league’s new 11-year media rights agreement which begins next season.

Curry, who played 16 seasons in the NBA and remains the Hornets’ all-time leading scorer, has been a color commentator for Charlotte’s local broadcasts since retiring from the league. His move to the national stage brings credibility, familiarity, and — perhaps most significantly — a deeper tie to one of the game’s most marketable stars.

Sources tell Front Office Sports Amazon’s hiring of Dell Curry could be an early step toward eventually recruiting his son, Steph, as a central figure for its NBA coverage. While the four-time champion and two-time MVP remains active, his post-playing future is already of interest to networks — and Prime is clearly positioning itself as a preferred destination.

Steph Curry told CNBC earlier this year that he would “for sure” consider a role in sports broadcasting post career.

“A lot of ex-NBA guys are behind the booth now whether it’s commentating or in studio,” said Curry to CNBC last month. “I would be more patient about what would be the right opportunity for me. Anything that I would do I want to all in on it. Right now, I’m just doing homework on the different pathways and options that might be available.”

Amazon has already assembled an eye-catching mix of analysts and talent, including former TNT analyst Stan Van Gundy, play-by-play voice Ian Eagle, and NBA greats Dwyane Wade, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, and Blake Griffin. The studio team will also feature Candace Parker and Taylor Rooks.

As Prime joins ESPN/ABC and NBC Sports under the NBA’s new 11-year rights deals, all eyes are on how Amazon will differentiate its coverage. An official announcement of the broadcast team is expected later this week.

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Dave Maloney Named New York Rangers Television Analyst On MSG Networks

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MSG Networks is turning to a familiar voice for its New York Rangers TV booth as the network announced longtime radio analyst and former Rangers captain Dave Maloney will take over as the team’s lead in-game analyst, succeeding the retiring Joe Micheletti.

Maloney has been a fixture on Rangers radio broadcasts for the past two decades, working alongside play-by-play voice Kenny Albert, who also transitions to television this season. The duo will reunite in the MSG Networks booth, replacing the iconic pairing of Micheletti and Sam Rosen, both of whom stepped away following the 2024–25 campaign.

“I respected Joe so much; I never ever expected this role to be available,” Maloney said. “So when it was, I wanted to make sure my hat was in the ring. Sure enough, here we are.”

Maloney called the move “something I never thought would be probable or possible,” but admitted the opportunity to work alongside Albert in a new capacity made the decision easier.

Albert, who inherits the TV play-by-play role full-time, will still handle national broadcasting duties for Fox and Turner. When that happens, Alex Faust will step in on TV and assume Albert’s former position as radio play-by-play voice. A replacement for Maloney’s radio analyst role has not yet been named.

“We’re thrilled that fans can now enjoy from our TV booth Dave’s passion, extensive hockey insight, and the unique chemistry that Dave shares with Kenny,” said MSG Networks president and CEO Andrea Greenberg.

Maloney, who played 657 NHL games — most of them with the Rangers — became the youngest captain in franchise history at 22. He led New York to the Stanley Cup Final in 1979 and later broke into broadcasting after an injury in 1981 allowed him to join Marv Albert and Sal Messina on the radio.

“It’s about as close as you can get to the game without actually playing the game,” Maloney said.

The move continues a busy week at MSG Networks. Just two days earlier, the company named ESPN New York’s Don La Greca the new television voice of the New Jersey Devils.

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From Ozzy to JAWS: Proof That Originals Never Fade

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This past weekend, two cultural supernauts reminded us what it means to be first.

  1. Ozzy and Sabbath bid farewell.
  2. JAWS turned 50.

Both originals.

Both terrified audiences – so much so, we kept coming back for more. They’re forever tattooed on our collective conscience.

Both inventors.

Sabbath invented heavy metal – and kept parents awake at night.

JAWS invented the summer blockbuster – and kept people off the beaches.

There have been many originals. Many inventors.

Coca-Cola. McDonald’s. ESPN. Amazon.

At Rock Radio, what would mornings sound like if not for Stern or Mark & Brian?

Metallica openly admits they wouldn’t exist without Sabbath. Would we have Shark Week if not for Spielberg’s mechanical shark?

Yes, different worlds. Same lasting impact. Like “Paranoid” and “Crazy Train” – raw, real, original, timeless.

JAWS didn’t have CGI. Sabbath didn’t have AI. JAWS had a story. Sabbath had a sound so new, heavy and ominous that it spread across the world before there was even MTV or the internet.

We’re all witnesses: originality doesn’t have an expiration date. And that’s important in our RockTernative world.

While imitation is considered approved flattery, what are we creating that’s truly original in our competitive situations?

Put your station through the wringer. Does it sound unique, or like a band covering that station 100 miles up the road?

  • Imaging, branding, copy?
  • Benchmarks?
  • Clocks, rotations, daypart strategies?
  • The library?
  • The sales approach?
  • Stopsets and how spots are produced?

Ries and Trout taught us. Being first in a category is ideal, but not always necessary. The original can be unseated at times, but not many, so the course is to create new turf by positioning around differences.

  • The Alternative vs. The Rock Alternative
  • Classic Rock vs. Classic Hits
  • The Rock Station vs. Everything That Rocks

Finding product or propositional differences is important. Sabbath isn’t the only legendary Metal band, and JAWS isn’t the only shark flick. Big Mac vs. The Whopper. Mac vs. PC. Hertz vs. Avis. Classic category battles with positioning around differences.

Most brands don’t last. Real originals do.

Fifty years later, JAWS still haunts the water; Sabbath still shakes the earth.

People still quote Brody’s “you’re gonna need a bigger boat” and sing, “generals gathered in their masses, just like witches at black masses.”

The OGs hold their turf if they came from authenticity. WMMR. KROQ. The End. WRIF. KLOS. All did.

Ironically, Sabbath’s authentic influence in the ‘70s is one of the reasons today’s Rock stations are Rock brands.

Before I sign off this week, there’s not much I can say about Back to the Beginning that hasn’t already been said. But I can help crystallize what made it matter.

© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Big Rock festivals aren’t new. Metallica, Tool, and GNR have shared the stage before. But that was Power Trip – and that was for profit. This wasn’t that. It was to pay tribute.

Ozzy didn’t say goodbye on IG or with a TikTok. At 76, battling Parkinson’s, he got his voice loud and his ailing body onstage. He commanded the worldwide crowd from his throne like only a legend can.

He reminded the world what originality and authenticity look like.

Ozzy gets the headlines, but like a heritage brand, he wasn’t built alone.

Sharon deserves props. But without Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, there might never have been an Ozzy.

People will ask, “Who’s the next Ozzy or Sabbath?” Some may wonder who’s the next KISW or 91X? We’ll know it when we hear it.

Originals never die. They just echo louder with time.

How will people remember your brand 50+ years from now?

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.

Why Greg Amsinger Is a Five Tool Player for MLB Network

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MLB Network is stacked with solid talent from Brian Kenny to Abby Labar to Mark DeRosa, Lauren Shehadi, Yonder Alonso, and many others. In fact, it is difficult to pick a foundation talent on the network. However, one name comes to mind — a host and commentator who has shined on several shows with a bevy of collaborators and cohorts. Greg Amsinger might just be the brightest of MLB Network’s stars. His pleasant on-air demeanor is quite different from many of today’s ultra-controversial sports media luminaries.

I watched him at work on Tuesday, July 8, hosting MLB Tonight: National Pregame Show alongside longtime colleagues Dan Plesac and Harold Reynolds. The performance was vintage Amsinger. He opened the show neither with a bombastic blast nor an angry assertion. Instead, he said that his heart was warm at being reunited with Plesac and Reynolds. Amsinger then segued to some live batting practice video of the Mariners-Yankees game and made the astute point that the Aaron Judge versus Cal Raleigh matchup might be the best American League MVP race since Mike Trout and Miguel Cabrera dueled for the trophy in 2012.

Amsinger offers insight while making both his viewers and panelists feel comfortable. Underneath his warm, sentimental, and welcoming personality is a true master of the game with a great memory and astute analysis.

Amsinger Never Steals the Spotlight From the Story

MLB Tonight: National Pregame Show employs a heavy dose of graphics and video. Throughout much of the show, stat graphics or live video take up most of the screen while Amsinger, Plesac, and Reynolds are in a vertical three-box to the left, similar to the ESPN2 Monday Night Football Manningcast.

Contemporary television hosts often seek to become part of the debate and are not satisfied with setting up their former player or coach colleagues. Amsinger is just the opposite. He loves initiating a topic and then letting the likes of Plesac and Reynolds run with it. You can see the satisfaction in Amsinger’s face when a broadcast partner makes a strong point off a topic he introduced.

Amsinger’s penchant for sharing the spotlight was no more evident than when Josh Hader of the Astros joined the program. Amsinger quite literally leaned back against the studio wall with his hands in his pockets and happily watched Reynolds and Plesac carry the interview. Amsinger is no mere wallflower, however. He has a controlled sense of self and enjoys being, at different times, both the straight man and the comic.

No one combines entertainment and style with real baseball intelligence better than Amsinger. When the discussion moved to the surging Toronto Blue Jays, he compared Jays’ manager John Schneider to Dave Martinez and his 2019 Washington Nationals. Washington started slowly in 2019, but Martinez — ironically fired by Washington this week — righted the ship and led the Nats to a world championship that season. Schneider might just be doing the same thing with the Blue Jays this year. Amsinger spouted that Schneider has a chance to go from the hot seat to AL Manager of the Year.

Later in the show, Amsinger talked about the Red Sox lineup and noted that rookie Roman Anthony has been hitting better in the three slot because he is getting a chance to bat in the first inning. While he is seemingly omnipresent at MLB Network, Amsinger really thrives on MLB Tonight: National Pregame Show. His on-air style mixes well and really benefits from the show’s production values. His commentary is in sync with the graphics and video, creating a multi-layered experience for viewers. Amsinger’s ability to interject his knowledge while simultaneously raising the collective games of his panelists is rare. He is laid-back, confident, and comfortable in his own skin.

When You Love What You Do, It’s Never Work

In my opinion, Amsinger has brought the smile back to sports TV. He thoroughly enjoys what he is doing, and he’s not afraid to show it. His unabashed enthusiasm is legit and refreshing, and his anecdotal style works. In discussing San Diego’s Manny Machado becoming the fifth active player to reach 2,000 hits, he recalled an interview he did with Machado when the ex-Oriole and Dodger signed with the Padres. Amsinger said that Machado was consistently cool and felt no pressure to put up big numbers to match his big-money contract. With his Pat Rileyesque slicked-back hair and sartorial splendor, Amsinger looks the part of a TV star — minus the arrogance and self-absorption. There’s just a natural feel to what he does on the air. He is genuine.

In the Greg’s List segment of MLB Tonight: National Pregame Show, Amsinger ran down his all-time Top 10 best first-half performances by a true centerfielder in their age-23 season. This topic allowed Amsinger to delve into his baseball fan side and his passion for the game’s history. You could hear the joy in his voice as he recalled names like Adam Jones, Dale Murphy, Grady Sizemore, Ellis Burks, and Ken Griffey Jr., and juxtaposed them with current stars like Cubs phenom Pete Crow-Armstrong and the continually great Mike Trout. Amsinger did yeoman’s work not only in offering stats but giving analysis on these past and present players.

Bringing Fun Back to Baseball

The two-hour MLB Tonight: National Pregame Show really showcases the rapport between Amsinger, Plesac, and Reynolds. These guys are MLB Network veterans. They have worked together quite a bit, and it shows. They poke fun at each other and never let one another get away with any gaffe or snafu. The trio presented a terrific exchange about which team is the best in the American League, with all three of the debaters not only talking but also listening. Amsinger did a nice job of egging on both Plesac and Reynolds, urging them to give their views.

There is something for everyone on the sports media horizon. If you want a dude who makes you angry, spews contrived BS just to tick you off, and bases his success on how many nasty social media comments he gets, Greg Amsinger is not your guy.

However, if you are looking for someone who has fun, knows baseball, has just the right amount of edge, and truly knows how lucky he is to have his job, check out Greg Amsinger on MLB Tonight: National Pregame Show. This cat is not controversial and does not live for soundbites. His repartee is not about insults, jabs, or criticisms. On the contrary, Amsinger’s modus operandi offers a novel perspective — namely, he is as upbeat as they come. In an age where sports gabbers make their names with hot takes, incendiary comments, and fiery arguments, Greg Amsinger is a real-life sports TV unicorn.

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.