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ESPN Morning Programming Completes Move to 7 Hudson Square

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ESPN programming has completed its move to 7 Hudson Square, the New York City-based headquarters for The Walt Disney Company, with shows debuting from their new studio spaces on Monday morning. Evan Cohen, Chris Canty and Michelle Smallmon kicked off the day from the new UnSportsmanLike studio setup, which features an array of sports memorabilia surrounding an LED screen featuring show graphics and scenic views of the Manhattan skyline. Later in the morning, First Take made its debut with Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim, who were joined in the studio by ESPN NBA personalities Jay Williams and Brian Windhorst to recap the NBA Finals.

The new facilities at 7 Hudson Square feature state-of-the-art production functionalities and upgraded technology that supports live programming across The Walt Disney Company. The morning television show Get Up made its debut from the facility two weeks earlier featuring host Mike Greenberg with appearances from Dan Orlovsky, Damien Woody, Peter Schrager, Marcus Morris and Markieff Morris. According to a report by Dak Dillon of NewscastStudio, the space is approximately 2,100 square feet and referenced aesthetics seen from the Central Park café seen in Friends and diner depicted in Seinfeld. The studio also has several LED floor locations and graphics that resemble lower Manhattan.

The three ESPN morning programs previously broadcast from South Street Seaport at Pier 17 featuring views of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge Park. Get Up and First Take had utilized the television facilities for parts of seven years, along with other programming such as Around the Horn and NBA Countdown. Prior to UnSportsmanLike making its debut from the space in September 2023, the ESPN Radio national morning offering of Keyshawn, JWill and Max utilized the space.

In addition to the ESPN morning shows, various other Disney productions are filming from 7 Hudson Square, some of which include The View, Good Morning America, Live with Kelly and Mark and World News Tonight. The company is working out of the 22-story, 338-foot-tall structure in the Hudson Square neighborhood of New York City that possesses 1.2 million square feet for offices, film and production studio space. The facility is located near the ESPN New York studios and Good Karma Brands offices from which programs such as Don, Hahn and Rosenberg emanate.

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CBS Sports, Pac-12 Extend Broadcast Rights Through 2030-2031 Season

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CBS Sports and the Pac-12 Conference have announced a long-term extension of their media rights partnership, beginning with the 2025 football season and running through the 2030–31 academic year. The renewed agreement cements CBS Sports as the primary media partner for the new Pac-12, which is set to officially launch ahead of the 2026–27 season. Additional media partners are expected to be announced in the coming months, signaling continued growth and transformation for the conference.

Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould praised the collaboration, calling the agreement a key milestone in the league’s strategic evolution.

“Our goal with this process was to find transformational partnerships for the new Pac-12, and throughout our discussions and time together it became more and more clear that a partnership with CBS Sports would be just that,” Gould said. “I am thankful to the team at CBS Sports for seeing our vision and investing in our shared future as we build, launch and realize a new Pac-12 together.”

As part of the deal, CBS Sports will carry both football and men’s basketball games throughout each season on The CBS Television Network and stream them live on Paramount+. Coverage will also extend to CBS Sports Network, with further programming details to be shared at a later date.

Octagon, the Pac-12’s exclusive media rights advisor, facilitated the negotiations for both the initial 2025 agreement and the extended long-term deal.

Highlights of the partnership include:

  • The annual Pac-12 Football Championship Game airing on CBS and Paramount+.
  • The annual Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Tournament Championship Game on CBS and Paramount+.
  • A minimum of three regular season football games per year on CBS and Paramount+.
  • A minimum of three regular season men’s basketball games per year on CBS and Paramount+.
  • Additional regular season football and men’s basketball games on CBS Sports Network.

Dan Weinberg, Executive Vice President of Programming at CBS Sports, emphasized the significance of the partnership at a pivotal moment for the conference.

“As the new Pac-12’s primary media partner, CBS Sports’ top-tier coverage will showcase the best of the conference’s football and men’s basketball games annually across our platforms, including the championship game for both sports,” Weinberg said. “Extending this partnership strengthens our multiplatform college football and basketball schedule and allows us to collaborate, grow the conference and expand its reach.”

The expanded deal also includes one additional all-sports, football-playing member joining the new Pac-12 Conference. All current and future members were involved in the decision to extend the agreement with CBS Sports.

While CBS Sports will serve as the anchor media partner, the Pac-12 and Octagon are actively pursuing additional partnerships to round out the league’s media presence. Further announcements are expected once agreements are finalized.

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Anderson Cooper Evacuated From CNN Set in Israel as Missile Sirens Sound

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On Monday morning, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper was forced to evacuate the network’s set in Tel Aviv, Israel, as missile sirens sounded in the city.

While Cooper was broadcasting alongside Clarissa Ward and Jeremy Diamond at just after 3 AM local time, a 10-minute warning that missiles were incoming was given.

As Cooper acknowledged the alerts, a discussion was had about what the network’s crew should do.

“The location we’re in has a verbal alarm telling people to go down into bomb shelters,” Cooper said. “So we have about a ten minute window to get down into a bomb shelter and we’ll continue to try to broadcast from that bomb shelter and even if we can, on the way down.”

“Should we go down or do you want to finish this?” Ward asked.

“We should probably go down,” replied Cooper, as he laughed awkwardly.

Later in the segment, Anderson Cooper revealed that receiving the incoming missile alerts was a unique experience since he joined CNN correspondents in the city.

“This is the first time today that we have had an alarm like this,” said Cooper. “It’s obviously something that many here in Tel Aviv have gotten used to over the last 10 or 11 days since this began. We saw one. There was one alarm shortly after, several hours after the first strike, the strikes on Iran by the United States. This is the first one we’ve had this morning.”

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Marcellus Wiley: Stephen A. Smith Will Take Presidential Run “Somewhere Else”

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Stephen A. Smith has made no secret about his desire to expand the reach of his commentary into the political hemisphere in recent years. Earlier this year, with Smith signing a new contract with ESPN, the agreement granted him even further access to explore political commentary. As a result, there is a growing groundswell of hype surrounding a potential presidential run in the near future for the ESPN commentator.

Recently, former ESPN commentator Marcellus Wiley discussed what he believes Smith might do as a potential candidate during the latest episode of his On the Rocks with Marcellus Wiley & Friends podcast.

“Whatever you think of him right now as a presidential nominee, he’s going to take it somewhere else. Just like he did with sports commentary. [If] he gets on a debate trail. He’s going to manipulate that s**t. That’s going to be ugly,” said Wiley.

Despite the speculation, Smith has publicly stated that he is not attempting to become a politician or run for office. However, he is keeping the option open, primarily because many within his inner circle have told him that he would make a strong candidate. In addition to his sports work, the ESPN commentator has made numerous appearances on political talk shows, podcasts, and political satire programs in recent years. Moreover, he has been building his Straight Shooter Media company, which houses The Stephen A. Smith Show podcast featuring both sports and political commentary.

Looking back, Wiley recalled the first time he met Smith when he appeared as a guest on The Best Damn Sports Show Period and shared his initial reaction to seeing Smith on camera.

“There was a dude sitting there, Stephen A. Smith. I was like, ‘hey, how you doing?’ He’s like ‘how you doing bro?’ I can smell east coast on them, they all over cool,” told Wiley. “In my head, I literally judged him. I said, ‘why are you on the show? They always had a reporter and I was like, ‘he’s boring.’… Then that light came on, that camera came on, and he came on.”

Furthermore, Wiley explained his amazement while watching Smith perform on camera, calling him a “superstar.” He emphasized that the moment was one he remembers vividly even to this day.

“I’ve never seen somebody do this in my life,” said Wiley. “John Salley is John Salley everywhere. Silly, funny, crazy. Everybody else I knew was either a superstar in their real life too, or they just wasn’t a superstar, right? I was like. This dude’s insane, now he’s Stephen A. Smith.”

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NBC News Radio Anchor Lisa Taylor Stepping Away From Full-Time Role

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NBC News Radio midday anchor Lisa Taylor has announced she is stepping away from her full-time role as part of a mission to wind down her radio career.

Taylor has been in the radio business for more than four decades. Most recently spending the past five years working for NBC News Radio, Taylor previously served as a country radio host at 99.5 The Wolf in Dallas as well as WYNY in New York. She was also a host at Z100 in New York as midday host.

Other stops included San Antonio, Chicago, and Tampa during her long career.

While she’s stepping away from her full-time role with the news network, she will still remain a member of the team in a part-time role.

“A lot of thought went into my decision to step back and see what else there is I truly want and need to do,” Taylor said in a social media post announcing her full-time exit.

“You’ll still hear me on the iHeart 24/7 News Station affiliates as a National NBC News Anchor in a part-time roll, and maybe on some commercials and radio station imaging … On to more time with all of my loved ones, we’re here for such a short while.”

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How Professionals Elevate Real Estate Branding with 4th of July Flyer Strategies

What defines the success of real estate projects in a market full of competitive developments? Strategic advertising and innovative campaigns often distinguish one project from another in a crowded housing sector. Direct mail and personalized messages enhance client response by building trust and delivering relevant property insights. Successful branding in property dealings often relies on emotional appeal and consistent communication across diverse channels.

A well-executed real estate 4th of July campaign brings seasonal excitement into neighborhood promotions. It offers timely opportunities to build stronger local recognition through holiday-themed materials and visuals. Here, we explore how these efforts support branding, targeting, and outreach through patriotic and personal design strategies. Let’s understand how to turn seasonal flyers into impactful tools for customer connection.

Incorporating Patriotic Visual Elements

Design specialists often integrate red, white, and blue elements to evoke strong national pride during Independence Day campaigns. They use fireworks, flags, and subtle motifs to create visual energy without compromising brand aesthetics. This emotional design approach fosters connection, making the flyer inviting and thematically relevant. Branding experts tailor these elements to evoke heritage while reinforcing a property’s appeal.

Campaign consultants ensure each layout maintains brand integrity while aligning with festive visual language. Logos, fonts, and design consistency are preserved to support recognition across multiple channels. Strategic placement of property information enhances readability and engagement without overshadowing the holiday theme. Experts meticulously plan these details to merge brand identity with timely celebration.

Crafting Compelling Headlines

Experienced marketers craft emotionally resonant headlines like “Celebrate Freedom in a New Home” to spark immediate interest. These headlines are refined to reflect holiday spirit and buyer aspirations without relying on generic slogans. Location-based language is carefully incorporated to increase personal relevance for target audiences. Property marketing solutions develop these headlines using proven strategies to ensure clarity, impact, and relatability.

Strong verbs and motivational phrasing are chosen to guide readers toward desired actions with persuasive tone control. Thematic alignment between headline and content ensures the message is consistent and emotionally cohesive. Optimistic framing is prioritized to maintain positive brand perception throughout the flyer. Flyer design services build high-converting copy based on campaign data and branding goals.

Highlighting Community Engagement

To build brand authenticity, marketing teams actively highlight community involvement, such as parade participation or local sponsorships. These efforts go beyond promotion, illustrating genuine investment in neighborhood values and resident relationships. Social engagement strategies are planned to portray the brand as approachable and community-focused. Targeted outreach providers recommend this approach to establish local trust and long-term recognition.

To reinforce credibility, designers incorporate visual evidence like event snapshots, testimonials, or public acknowledgments. Interactive features, such as event directions or community shout-outs, increase relevance and informational value. These flyers are crafted to feel inclusive while subtly reinforcing professional commitment. Custom postcard solution providers expertly blend messaging and visuals to spotlight social integration and shared values.

Offering Exclusive Holiday Promotions

Marketing professionals strategically time offers around Independence Day to add urgency and seasonal relevance to real estate materials. Limited-time incentives like discounted commissions or staging bonuses are framed to highlight value and exclusivity. Precise expiration dates and offer terms are prominently featured to prompt timely buyer action. Reliable marketing solutions develop these segments to support fast conversions without compromising clarity.

Each offer is written to align with the celebratory tone while maintaining professional transparency and audience trust. Promotional graphics are designed to complement the layout without appearing aggressive or off-brand. Deals are incorporated into the flyer’s theme to ensure seamless design integration. Branding experts refine these components to produce engaging content with practical consumer appeal.

July 4th Real Estate Promotions

Incorporating Clear Calls to Action

Professionals ensure every flyer includes a strong, actionable prompt that confidently directs recipients toward the next step. Calls like “Schedule Your Viewing Today” are formatted for visibility and aligned with the overall design tone. Multiple contact channels are included, offering a frictionless way for prospects to respond or inquire. Flyer design services strategically place these prompts where engagement is most likely.

The language is tested and adapted to suit the audience demographic and flyer aesthetic. Incentives tied to the call, like early-bird benefits, are selectively added to boost conversion probability. Visual emphasis through color, font, or positioning draws attention without disrupting the flyer’s flow. Campaign consultants tailor each call-to-action based on behavior data and communication preferences.

Showcasing Testimonials and Success Stories

Marketing teams incorporate curated client testimonials to build brand credibility through social proof and lived experiences. These quotes are selected for praise and alignment with the flyer’s message and tone. Location tags or identifiable outcomes enhance trust by showcasing tangible community results. Branding professionals advise integrating such feedback to strengthen narrative connection and reinforce past success.

If permitted, images are paired with testimonials to increase visual authenticity and emotional resonance. Experts keep these sections succinct and visually balanced for quick readability and substantial impact. Each testimonial is vetted to ensure it supports campaign objectives without overloading the layout. Trusted branding agencies use these insights to create human and results-driven flyers.

Utilizing High-Quality Printing and Materials

Professional-grade materials are selected to ensure the flyer communicates quality and reliability from the moment it is handled. Designers choose glossy or textured finishes, highlighting visual assets like patriotic graphics and premium branding elements. Folds, trims, and spacing are meticulously reviewed to balance form and function without clutter. Property marketing consultants guide these decisions to match campaign budgets with print standards.

The tactile feel of a well-produced flyer contributes to its longevity and perceived professionalism. Experts consider size for mailbox fit and layout efficiency to maximize exposure and retention. A refined physical product signals attention to detail and elevates brand value. Marketing advisors manage vendor selection and printing logistics to ensure brand alignment at every touchpoint.

Distributing Strategically for Maximum Reach

Professionals develop distribution strategies to match the flyer’s message with its most responsive audience segments. Neighborhood-specific mail drops or in-person event handouts are carefully scheduled to maximize engagement and timing. Seasonal triggers like early July are chosen to align with public interest and peak visibility. Design teams coordinate with distribution planners to ensure campaign continuity from print to placement.

Integrated campaigns combine physical flyers with digital touchpoints, creating a cohesive multichannel brand experience. QR codes and web links bridge online interactions, increasing engagement options. Partnerships with local businesses expand flyer visibility in community-frequented spaces. Reliable branding solutions manage these logistics collaboratively, optimizing outcomes.

July promotions provide a festive context to engage potential buyers with timely property-related offers and creative messages. A strategic real estate 4th of July campaign builds brand identity through patriotic visuals. Celebratory themes naturally draw attention, encouraging higher interaction rates and neighborhood-level visibility for each listing. Real estate professionals can attract more interest and strengthen their client base by tapping into this holiday spirit.

Chip Caray Will Not Be Suspended After Uttering Homophobic Slur: Report

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Chip Caray, the television play-by-play announcer for the St. Louis Cardinals on FanDuel Sports Network Midwest, will reportedly not be suspended after uttering a homophobic slur during a live game broadcast this past Saturday. Caray was in the midst of reading a promotion for the upcoming Disability Pride Night taking place at Busch Stadium in which he divulged that themed tickets were available for purchase. Utilizing these tickets for the game, fans would be able to take home a Cardinals cap featuring the disability pride flag and Cardinals in braille.

Caray said a different word while reading this copy, but Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports has reported that the network is viewing it as an “honest” mistake during the live narration. McCarthy cited sources that Caray is not going to be disciplined for this action, but the incident provoked memories of occurrences wherein broadcasters were fired for their words.

For example, former Cincinnati Reds television play-by-play announcer Thom Brennaman lost his job upon uttering a homophobic slur despite not realizing the broadcast was live. On top of that, Glen Kuiper was terminated from his role broadcasting Oakland Athletics games after using a racial slur while describing his trip to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. When Caray completed the promotional read during Saturday’s game, the ensuing 30 seconds of silence went viral on social media before analyst Brad Thompson resumed with the telecast.

Caray has been the television play-by-play voice of Cardinals baseball since joining the network ahead of the 2023 season. Prior to his time with St. Louis, he held the play-by-play role with the Atlanta Braves on television over 20 seasons, including stints calling games on the Braves Radio Network, TBS and Peachtree TV. Caray was also the play-by-play announcer for Chicago Cubs baseball on WGN, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and sports icon Harry Caray. In addition, his father Skip was the longtime voice of the Braves, and he had a chance to work with his father and grandfather during a Cubs-Braves game in May 1991.

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1040 WHO Program Director Cole Bair Exits

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1040 WHO Program Director Cole Bair has departed the iHeartMedia Des Moines news/talk station.

Bair had only been on the job since joining the station in April. He replaced former Program Director Peter Thiele, who similarly exited after just seven months on the job in July last year.

According to a memo sent to staffers by iHeartMedia Nebraska/Iowa Area Senior Vice President of Programming Erik Johnson, he and 1110 KFAB Program Director Scott Voorhees will handle programming decisions in the interim until a new leader for the legendary brand is found.

“We wish Cole all the best,” Johnson’s memo concluded.

Cole Bair joined 1040 WHO after previously spending six years working at Coloff Media in Cedar Rapids. During his tenure at that company, he served as the Program Director of 1650 The Fan, the company’s sports talk station, where he also worked as the station’s afternoon host.

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WELY Signs Seven-Year Contract to Air Minnesota Vikings Games

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WELY Radio in Ely, Minn. has signed a seven-year deal to broadcast Minnesota Vikings games within the National Football League beginning in the 2025-26 season. Under this new contract, the station will be airing matchups beginning in the preseason and through the playoffs, keeping the team on the air through the 2031 campaign. Furthermore, broadcast plans are said to include pregame and postgame coverage surrounding the matchups.

Civic Media, which is based in Wisconsin and owns the station, helped bring the station back on the airwaves after a three-year absence. The company had purchased the outlet from Zoe Communications in January that included the 1450 AM, and it was dealing with early difficulties related to the transmitter, antenna and tower. WELY had previously broadcast Vikings football, and it currently airs a combination of oldies music and Minnesota Twins baseball games. In addition to these programming genres, the station is planning to reintroduce local programming to the airwaves in the future.

“We’re beyond excited to bring Vikings football back to WELY-AM!,” Terri Pylka, station manager of WELY, said in a statement. “It’s been a few years since fans in our area could hear the games locally, and I know the community will be just as fired up as we are for their return. Fans will be able to tune in from shorelines, garages, to fish houses — wherever Vikings pride runs deep. Locking in the broadcast rights for the next seven years is a total touchdown — it means WELY will be your home for Vikings football for seasons to come. SKOL!”

WELY is currently operating under a temporary FM frequency since it was unable to air on 94.5 due to damage from previous work on the tower. Once the station made its return, it could be heard on 103.9 FM and only in the immediate locales of Ely, Tower and Babbitt, Minn. WELY also moved to new facilities in downtown Ely with its own studio equipment and had planned to air news, sports and community-based programming.

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Max Kellerman Makes Broadcasting Return for Canelo-Crawford Fight on Netflix

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Max Kellerman is returning to the sport of boxing for one of the biggest fights in recent memory. On Sunday afternoon, UFC President Dana White introduced Kellerman as part of the broadcast team for the upcoming Canelo Alvarez fight against Terence Crawford on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

It has been roughly two years since Kellerman was let go by ESPN, and he was appreciative of the opportunity to call this fight on Netflix in September.

“This is a perfect storm. I could not be more excited to be a part of it,” said Kellerman during a press conference on Saturday.

The 51-year-old Kellerman was one of ESPN’s signature boxing voices for more than a decade, serving as an analyst for “Friday Night Fights.” Later, he would go on to co-host First Take and was also the lead host of Around the Horn. Moreover, Kellerman was among several prominent on-air personalities laid off by ESPN during a round of company-wide budget cuts back in June of 2023.

“Nick Khan is the best in the business. Dana White… Dana White is the greatest combat sports promoter of my lifetime. It’s his first ever boxing promotion so that’s behind what you’re gonna see.”

Now, the broadcast of Alvarez and Crawford will mark Kellerman’s first major return to the sport’s broadcast spotlight since his ESPN departure.

“He is the best boxing analyst in the sport,” said White when introducing Kellerman to those in attendance.

As for the fight itself, the matchup between Álvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs), a four-division world champion, and Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs), an undefeated three-division champion, is one of the most anticipated in recent boxing history.

In addition, the event will serve as Netflix’s first major leap into broadcasting live professional boxing.

“I don’t think you understand what a big deal this is,” Kellerman said at the press conference. “This is a perfect storm, a perfect storm… First of all, Turki. We’re lucky he happens to be a boxing fan.”

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