Home Blog Page 84

Bari Weiss’ The Free Press Sees 18% Uptick in Traffic During August

Garrett Searight
-
0
Bari Weiss’ The Free Press Sees 18% Uptick in Traffic During August

Conservative media websites posted mixed traffic results in August, according to The Righting. The Free Press, co-founded by Bari Weiss, recorded one of the largest gains.

What We Know: The Righting analyzed year-over-year visits to the top 20 right-wing news websites during August. The analysis uses mobile and desktop traffic data from Similarweb.

What The Numbers Show: The Free Press recorded an 18% increase to 4.4 million visits, trailing only The Washington Times (+21%) and The American Conservative (+17%) among sites posting gains. Meanwhile, The Federalist (-50%), The Blaze (-46%), and Daily Caller (-42%) posted the largest declines. Fox News remained the most-visited site with 226 million visits, despite a 9% year-over-year decline. Truth Social also fell 10% to 13.8 million visits.

WebsiteTotal Visits% Change
Fox News226,000,000↓ -9%
Breitbart24,300,000↓ -23%
The Gateway Pundit20,400,000↓ -19%
Newsmax18,600,000↓ -19%
Epoch Times16,600,000↓ -2%
Truth Social13,800,000↓ -10%
Daily Wire8,400,000↓ -27%
RedState7,200,000↓ -26%
The Free Press4,400,000↑ +18%
The Blaze3,800,000↓ -46%
PJ Media3,700,000↓ -41%
Western Journal3,500,000↓ -27%
National Review3,100,000↓ -14%
Washington Examiner2,400,000↓ -16%
Daily Caller2,300,000↓ -42%
Washington Times2,100,000↑ +21%
The Federalist1,400,000↓ -50%
Daily Signal1,400,000↓ -5%
Free Beacon751,000↓ -29%
The American Conservative607,000↑ +17%

What They Said: “Because the president is overwhelmingly the most popular person on Truth Social with more than 13 million followers, it’s fair to look at the sinking traffic to the site as a gauge for his diminshed popularity and erratic performance as president. Additionally, audiences may also be turned off by his reliance on AI to create increasingly dark and unhinged Truth Social posts depicting scenes of violence or unflattering images of his perceived enemies. Simply put, his Truth Social act doesn’t appear to be working as effectively anymore.” -The Righting President Howard Polskin

What It Means: The Free Press continued a recent pattern of audience growth, following a 7% year-over-year increase in March. Bari Weiss currently serves as CBS News editor-in-chief after Paramount acquired The Free Press in 2025.

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.

Fox News Digital Leads News Websites in August 2026 Unique Visitors

Garrett Searight
-
0
Fox News Digital Leads News Websites in August 2026 Unique Visitors

Fox News Digital led major news competitors in total desktop/mobile unique visitors during August. However, several major outlets posted year-over-year declines, according to Comscore.

What We Know: Fox News Digital recorded 75.6 million total desktop/mobile multiplatform unique visitors in August. The outlet also led the competition in multiplatform views and minutes, recording 1.5 billion views and 3.2 billion minutes. Meanwhile, Fox News Digital has led news brands in multiplatform views for 28 consecutive months. It has also ranked first in multiplatform minutes for 66 straight months and total desktop/mobile unique visitors for four consecutive months.

What The Numbers Show: Comscore data showed mixed results among the six major news outlets measured during August.

OutletTotal Desktop/Mobile Unique Visitors% Change vs August 2025
Fox News Digital75.6 million↓ 14%
CNN.com55.7 million↓ 26%
CBSNews.com70.3 million↓ 4%
NYTimes.com63.4 million↓ 1%
NBCNews.com65.4 million↑ 8%
ABCNews.com Sites28.9 million↓ 22%

What Remains Unclear: The figures don’t explain why most outlets experienced year-over-year declines. CNN also reported its mobile app’s lowest-ever unique viewer total in August, with 2.7 million users compared with 6.4 million for the FOX News mobile app.

What It Means: Fox News Digital maintained its position atop the competitive set despite a 14% year-over-year decline. Still, NBCNews.com was the only outlet in the group to post annual growth, while ABC News and CNN recorded the largest percentage declines.

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.

The Ariel Helwani Show Adding Best Of Programming On VICE TV

John Mamola
-
0
The Ariel Helwani Show Adding Best Of Programming On VICE TV

VICE TV is adding combat sports to its Friday programming lineup. The Ariel Helwani Show debuts on the network this week.

What We Know: VICE TV becomes a linear TV partner for The Ariel Helwani Show starting Friday, September 18. The weekly one-hour show is the flagship combat sports program from Yahoo Sports and Uncrowned, Helwani’s digital home. It compiles the best of Helwani’s week, covering breaking news, analysis, and interviews across MMA, boxing, and wrestling. United Talent Agency facilitated the partnership. Episodes will air Fridays at 8pm ET/7pm CT, leading into VICE TV’s live sports coverage. Helwani stated to Barrett Media the agreement with VICE TV is for one year.

What They Said: Ariel Helwani: “Our whole team is very excited to partner with VICE to bring the show to a new audience. I have been a big fan of Vice’s content for years and have particularly enjoyed their combat sports coverage as of late. It’s an honor for us to now be a part of that coverage.”

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether other Yahoo Sports or Uncrowned combat sports content could eventually move to the network in some capacity.

What It Means: The deal gives Helwani’s show a new linear audience beyond its digital and social home. It also deepens VICE TV’s combat sports footprint, pairing his interviews with the network’s live event programming. For Yahoo Sports and Uncrowned, it’s a cross-platform push that could boost visibility. Especially heading into a busy fall combat sports calendar.

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 Signs Joe Buck To Six-Year Extension Worth Over 100 Million

John Mamola
-
0
ESPN Signs Joe Buck To Six-Year Extension Worth Over 100 Million

Joe Buck isn’t going anywhere. ESPN has locked up its top NFL voice through the network’s next Super Bowl.

What We Know: Buck has reportedly agreed to a six-year extension worth roughly $108 million, according to The Athletic. His salary climbs from $15 million to about $18 million annually. The deal covers ESPN’s first Super Bowl this February and its next one in 2031. Buck spent years at FOX Sports before joining ESPN in 2022, where he called a record 24 World Series broadcasts.

What They Said: ESPN executive vice president of communications Josh Krulewitz (via The Athletic): “With this historic season for ESPN now underway, our entire focus is on bringing fans the best possible football coverage, culminating with our first Super Bowl. To that end, we won’t be addressing talent contract specifics publicly before the Super Bowl.”

What Remains Unclear: Buck’s longtime partner, Troy Aikman, remains unsigned, and his contract ends after the Super Bowl. Now with Buck locked in, it remains unknown if Aikman will also be retained past this upcoming season.

What It Means: Buck’s extension signals ESPN’s commitment as it enters a new broadcasting era. Still, plenty of uncertainty surrounds the booth beyond him. With Aikman, Al Michaels, and others entering contract years, the industry could see a wave of turnover. Consequently, ESPN’s roster moves may only be the opening chapter this offseason.

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.

Audacy Taps Jenny Matthews, Jagger for Weekday Mornings in NYC

David Hill
-
0
Audacy Taps Jenny Matthews, Jagger for Weekday Mornings in NYC

New York’s Country 94.7 introduces a fresh morning lineup this week. The station taps Jenny Matthews, Jagger, and Matt Gapske for weekday mornings.

What We Know Audacy’s New York’s Country 94.7 (WXBK-HD2) rolls out “Jenny and Jagger in the Morning” featuring the three-person team. They broadcast weekday mornings from 6 to 10 a.m. ET. Meanwhile, the same show continues simultaneously in Kansas City on 106.5 The Wolf from 6 to 10 a.m. CT. Additionally, the station’s new weekday schedule includes “Katie and Company” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET.

What They Said John Foxx, Brand Manager for New York’s Country 94.7, emphasizes the hosts’ connection with listeners. “New York Country fans are incredibly passionate about the music and the lifestyle, and Jenny, Jagger and Matt share that passion,” Foxx explains. Furthermore, he notes their “chemistry, authenticity and willingness to bring listeners into their lives will create the kind of genuine connection that makes a morning show feel like part of the family.”

What Remains Unclear The announcement provides limited detail about what prompted this programming shift. Additionally, specifics on how long the trio will maintain dual-market broadcasting remain undisclosed. Furthermore, the station hasn’t revealed audience research or performance metrics justifying the change.

What It Means The move demonstrates Audacy’s confidence in the trio’s cross-market appeal. Importantly, the dual-market strategy expands their national footprint while maintaining Kansas City continuity. Indeed, this pairing signals a strategic investment in personality-driven morning radio that connects authentically with listeners.

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.

Scott Jennings: I Deserve An Apology After Mitch McConnell Returned to Senate

Garrett Searight
-
0
Scott Jennings: I Deserve An Apology After Mitch McConnell Returned to Senate

Scott Jennings is demanding accountability from critics who questioned his claims about Mitch McConnell’s condition and whereabouts. The CNN commentator revisited the controversy after McConnell returned to the Senate this week.

What We Know: Jennings made news during McConnell’s lengthy absence after saying he had spoken with the Kentucky senator by phone. McConnell had not appeared publicly for roughly three months following a June hospitalization, prompting widespread speculation about his condition. Critics questioned whether Jennings had accurately described his conversations with McConnell. Jennings was also pressed about the matter multiple times on CNN, including on-air challenges to contact McConnell. After McConnell returned to the Senate on Monday, Jennings used his Salem Radio Network program, The Scott Jennings Show, to revisit the controversy.

What They Said: “I told people something very simple. I had spoken to him on the telephone, not through a medium, not with a Ouija board, not through CIA satellite. He called me. We talked for nearly 20 minutes. We spoke again a few weeks later … I reported on CNN that he was recovering at home, that he wanted to return when the Senate reconvened, and that he remained especially interested in the Farm Bill, national defense, and America’s role in NATO. Those were the facts as I personally knew them.

“But facts were not exciting enough for certain bottom-feeding media outlets and pundits. They decided I must be lying. They demanded proof of life. And they wanted me to FaceTime McConnell on live television … If you were planning an enormous political coverup, would you really make Scott Jennings the public face of the operation? Asking legitimate questions is one thing. Calling everyone who provides an answer a liar is something else … The conspiracy theorists won’t apologize, of course. The websites won’t retract their sneering headlines. The people who accuse me of fabricating conversations should delete their posts before moving along to tomorrow’s hoaxes. But I won’t hold my breath. I did, however, save the receipts. So allow your humble reporter this brief moment of mature and dignified reflection. I told you so!” -Scott Jennings

What Remains Unclear: Jennings’ comments don’t establish that every critic or outlet will retract its coverage. However, McConnell’s return confirmed that Jennings’ repeated public statements about McConnell remaining alive and intending to return to work were consistent with the senator’s eventual appearance. Jennings had also acknowledged on CNN earlier this month that he hadn’t spoken with McConnell for several days or a couple of weeks at that point.

What It Means: McConnell’s return gives Jennings an opportunity to revisit a controversy that followed him throughout the senator’s absence. Now, Jennings is arguing that the critics who called his account into question should acknowledge that McConnell ultimately returned to the Senate as he had said he intended to do.

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/ABC Draws Network Record Audience For Men’s US Open Final

John Mamola
-
0
ESPN/ABC Draws Network Record Audience For Men’s US Open Final

Ben Shelton fell to Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s US Open final. But American interest sent ratings to a new high on ESPN/ABC.

What We Know: Shelton and Zverev’s four-set final averaged 3.2 million viewers on ABC. That’s the most-watched US Open men’s final since ESPN started broadcasting the tournament in 2009. Viewership climbed 9% over last year’s Sinner-Alcaraz final, which drew 3 million. Saturday’s women’s final between Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka drew 2.7 million viewers, up 13% from last year.

What’s At Stake: Despite the tournament placing the men’s final on the first Sunday of the NFL season, the viewership still climbed to record levels. However, you must suspect if the final was held on a non-NFL Sunday, viewership would have likely been much higher with a US born finalist playing.

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear how much NFL Week 1 competition affected total audience share. Still, ESPN’s full two-week coverage averaged 1.2 million viewers, its best mark since 2022. The marathon Shelton-Alcaraz quarterfinal, which ended at 3:33 a.m., drew 1.3 million viewers.

What It Means: Zverev’s win kept the American Grand Slam drought alive at 23 years. But Shelton’s run, paired with Frances Tiafoe’s semifinal appearance, proved American star power still sells. Their semifinal drew 3.1 million viewers, a men’s semifinal record. Together, the results signal strong momentum heading into next year’s tournament. It remains to be seen how scheduling will be altered into next year based on this year’s results.

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.

Bleav Names Jim Thompson New Vice President Of Sales

John Mamola
-
0
Bleav Names Jim Thompson New Vice President Of Sales

Bleav is expanding its leadership team. The company has named Jim Thompson the company’s new Vice President of Sales.

What We Know: Thompson will lead Bleav’s advertising sales team. He’ll drive revenue growth across audio, video and social platforms. Thompson previously worked at Gemini XIII, The Athletic, Cadence13 and ESPN New York. He started his radio career at WOR, then became a Sales Manager for Salem Media in New York.

What They Said: Bron Heussenstamm, Founder and CEO of Bleav: “Jim brings exactly the kind of sales leadership and experience we want as Bleav continues to grow. He understands both sports and non sports, podcasts, creators and advertisers, and has built strong relationships throughout the industry. We are excited to have him leading our sales organization and helping us unlock the value of the audience and content we have built.”

Jim Thompson: “Bleav has built an incredible network of creators, athletes and content with tremendous opportunity ahead. I’m excited to join Bron and the Bleav team, work with our sales organization and partners, and build on that foundation to create even more opportunities for advertisers, creators and the company.”

What Remains Unclear: Bleav hasn’t shared Thompson’s exact start date. It’s unknown if Bleav will be adding more personnel on the sales side of the business under Thompson’s leadership.

What It Means: Thompson’s hire signals Bleav’s push to scale ad revenue. The company is leaning on his sports and audio sales background to court bigger brand deals. With 40 million monthly views and listens already in hand, Bleav now needs the sales infrastructure to match.

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.

Jay Michaels Joins Radio One Indianapolis Programming Team

David Hill
-
0
Jay Michaels Joins Radio One Indianapolis Programming Team

Jay Michaels is joining Radio One Indianapolis. He’ll work alongside Sean Copeland at two iconic stations.

What We Know: Michaels has joined the programming and on-air team at Radio One Indianapolis. Specifically, he’ll work with Sean Copeland, the APD and Music Director at B105.7 and 97.1 HANK FM. For years, Michaels competed against these very stations in the market. Meanwhile, this move marks an exciting new chapter for his broadcasting career.

What They Said: “I’m excited to work along side my friend Sean Copeland as his APD and Music Director on two of Indy’s most iconic radio stations, B105.7 & 97.1 HANK FM!” Michaels said in his announcement. He emphasized his competitive history in Indianapolis throughout his career. Additionally, Michaels noted he’s looking forward to talking with listeners Monday at 2pm.

What Remains Unclear: The exact scope of Michaels’ on-air responsibilities still needs clarification. Furthermore, the organization hasn’t announced specific show times and programming assignments. His complete day-to-day duties require additional details. Also, his strategic vision for the market is still developing.

What It Means: This hire strengthens Radio One Indianapolis’ competitive position significantly. Michaels brings valuable experience from years of market competition and history. Indeed, his relationship with Copeland could drive collaborative, innovative programming strategies. Ultimately, the move signals renewed confidence in both B105.7 and 97.1 HANK FM’s formats.

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.

VSiN Cutting Staff With Ownership Change Looming

John Mamola
-
0
VSiN Cutting Staff With Ownership Change Looming

VSiN is trimming its roster ahead of another major change for the sports betting network. Barrett Media is reporting several staff members are out just before an upcoming ownership change.

What We Know: VSiN began cutting several talent and staff this week across on-air, editorial and programming roles. Among them: Tyler Shoemaker (multi-sport analyst, since 2023), Josh Appelbaum (betting analyst, since 2019), Greg Peterson (hoops/MLB contributor, since 2017), Joe Ceraulo (host, Cashing Out), James Coleman (creative services, since 2022), Matt Deutsch (programming, since 2024).

Barrett Media has learned that EVP of Talent and Programming Steve Cohen will also depart the company. Cohen alerted several staff members with an email Monday evening. Cohen has been with VSiN since 2024. Meanwhile, as cuts continue, Barrett Media has also learned VSiN’s leadership team will change within the next week. VSiN COO Bill Adee and President Brian Musburger have not returned calls for comment.

What They Said: Steve Cohen (via LinkedIn): “My time at VSiN has come to an end. When I left SXM I really wasn’t expecting to work full time again. But VSiN came calling and I’m very happy that they did. I enjoyed my time there and loved working with the VSiN team. Together we achieved record viewership on YouTube TV and record numbers for VSiN Pro subscriptions. Even more importantly, I had a very positive impact on the growth of the talent and production teams, which was relayed to me through countless texts and emails from the staff after they learned I was leaving the company. But with new ownership comes change, and parting ways with them now is the best thing for all parties involved. I’ll look forward to whatever is next for me!”

Tyler Shoemaker (via X): “I am officially a free agent. Huge thank you to VSiN for having me contribute for the last 3 years. It’s been a great experience. I’ve made some amazing friends out of it. But I have been officially let go.”

Josh Appelbaum (via X): “Some personal news. I was let go by VSiN. It’s been an incredible journey over the past 7 years. Starting with a “tryout” writing the daily newsletter in 2019, to being featured on The Lombardi Line and Betting Across America. Hosting the Market Insights and Morning Bets Podcasts, joining DraftKings and, of course, writing thousands of daily sharp reports in between. Along the way, I gained invaluable experience, not only as a bettor but as a person. I learned how the industry works inside and out, discovered the magic of Las Vegas firsthand, survived COVID and, best of all, made countless friendships that I will take with me forever. A special thank you to one of the true “good guys” who always had my back, Bill Adee. I love betting. I love the sweat. And I’m excited for what’s next.”

Greg Peterson (via X): “This isn’t the tweet I wanted to send but I guess life is always full of change. I was informed over the weekend that effective at the end of the MLB regular season (two weeks from now) my contract with VSIN will not be renewed. I moved to Vegas in June of 2017 for the a role as an associate producer and had nearly 10 great years with the company.”

James Coleman (via LinkedIn): “Yesterday was my last day at VSiN after four years as Director of Creative Services. I’m proud of what we built there. I got to grow a creative team, make a ton of cool shit, and work with some really talented people along the way. So now I’m looking for what’s next.”

Matt Deutsch (via X): “For the 1st time in my career I’m excited to be a FREE AGENT! My time at VSiN is over and I seek opportunities in sports media, specializing in betting, fantasy & prediction markets (plus NYC Sports is in my Blood).”

What Remains Unclear: The incoming owner’s identity remains unknown. Sources close to the situation expect Circa Owner Derek Stevens to have influence over the brand’s future direction. According to one source, the decision to engage with Prediction Markets went over poorly. Whether additional cuts follow the ownership change is uncertain, too. For now, Peterson’s exit isn’t final until the MLB regular season ends in two weeks.

What It Means: Losing on-air talent and key executives signals more than routine cost-cutting. Therefore, the timing suggests incoming owners want a clean slate before taking over. What the future holds for Cohen, Musburger, Adee and others across the network is unclear.

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.

1...838485...2,873Page 84 of 2,873