Home Blog Page 869

Locked On Podcast Network Announces Partnership With Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network

BSM Staff
-
0
Locked On Podcast Network Announces Partnership With Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network

The Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network has announced a new partnership with the Locked On Podcast Network. Starting June 16, the collaboration will bring daily, in-depth coverage of professional and collegiate sports to fans throughout the Gulf Coast. The new programming will air Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT exclusively on the GCSEN network.

This first-of-its-kind partnership blends the hyper-local expertise of Locked On’s podcast hosts with GCSEN’s growing television footprint, creating a powerful new destination for regional sports content. Through this initiative, fans will receive real-time updates, expert analysis, and passionate storytelling in a consistent, video-podcast format.

“The Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network is excited to partner with the Locked On Podcast Network to deliver daily, relevant content to sports fans all along the Gulf Coast,” said Mikel Schaefer, general manager of WVUE-TV and the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network. “With GCSEN, we are building a must-watch network for sports-hungry fans, and we believe the Locked On podcasts will satisfy those who want important information and analysis on their favorite teams—the Saints, Pelicans, LSU, and the mighty SEC.”

According to a release, the weekday lineup will feature several flagship shows:

Locked On SEC, hosted by Chris Gordy, will present a daily roundup of SEC football, basketball, and more, offering fans comprehensive coverage of the nation’s premier college sports conference.

Locked On Saints, hosted by Ross Jackson, will provide daily expert analysis, interviews, breaking news, and year-round coverage of the New Orleans Saints.

Locked On Pelicans, hosted by Jake Madison, will offer deep dives into storylines, trade rumors, game breakdowns, and exclusive insights from inside the Pelicans organization and across the NBA.

Locked On LSU, hosted by Matt Moscona, will deliver everything Tiger fans need to know—from film reviews and expert commentary to behind-the-scenes stories from Baton Rouge.

“With the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network just launching last year, we worked closely with Gray to promote and educate fans about where to find Pelicans basketball games on the network,” said Greg Bensel, senior vice president of communications, broadcasting, community and government relations for the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans. “A year later, we are thrilled to see the network adding topical, fresh sports programming like Locked On podcasts. Adding top-rated programming to the network is a game-changer for over 10 million fans across the Gulf South—giving them trusted voices, real-time insight, and a daily connection to the teams they love.”

Carl Weinstein, chief operating officer of the Locked On Podcast Network, emphasized the value of the partnership for fans seeking more than surface-level coverage.

“Our hosts go beyond the headlines to provide expert analysis and deeper insights that connect true fans with their favorite teams,” said Weinstein. “We’re excited to work with the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network and honored to partner with the Pelicans and Saints to deliver in-depth local coverage that their regional sports fans demand.”

Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network currently operates in 13 regional television markets across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The full network includes:

  • WVUE Ch. 7.1 – New Orleans, LA
  • WBRC Ch. 6.3 – Birmingham, AL
  • WAFB Ch. 9.3 – Baton Rouge, LA
  • KGCH Ch. 32.1 – Lake Charles, LA
  • WLBT Ch. 3.3 – Jackson, MS
  • WLHA Ch. 18.2 – Hattiesburg, MS
  • KSLA Ch. 12.2 – Shreveport, LA
  • WOOK Ch. 15.5 – Meridian, MS
  • WALA Ch. 10.5 – Mobile, AL
  • KLGC Ch. 25.2 – Alexandria, LA
  • KCWL Ch. 24.1 – Monroe, LA
  • WTBL Ch. 51.3 – Biloxi-Gulfport, MS
  • K36QM Ch. 36.1 – Lafayette, LA
  • WSFA Ch. 12.3 – Montgomery, AL

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.

CNN Tabs The New York Times Exec Guy Griggs As New Head of National Sales

BNM Staff
-
0
CNN Tabs The New York Times Exec Guy Griggs As New Head of National Sales

CNN is plucking Guy Griggs away from The New York Times to serve as the network’s new advertising sales chief.

Griggs has worked at The New York Times since 2017, where he has overseen the outlet’s national advertising business. He has also worked as the Head of Industry for Financial Services as well as the Executive Director of several of the publication’s verticals.

During his tenure at The New York Times, Griggs worked under now CNN CEO Mark Thompson, who had previously served as the President and CEO of the publication from 2012 to 2020.

At CNN, Griggs will hold the title of Senior Vice President of Advertising Sales and Client Partnerships.

The appointment of Guy Griggs comes after Warner Bros. Discovery had previously signaled its intention to hire an executive who would solely focus on sales for CNN. Griggs will report to Bobby Voltaggio and Ryan Gould, who lead the ad sales division for WBD as a whole.

Additionally, Griggs joins the network at a time of great uncertainty. Earlier this week, Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans to split its cable division — featuring CNN, among dozens of others — away from its film and streaming entities into a separate company.

The network has been in the midst of ratings challenges which have been forecasted to affect its advertising sales division. According to figures projected by Kagan, the cable news network is expected to see its ad sales revenue drop below $500 million in 2025, down from the $564 million it featured last year.

The news was first reported by Variety.

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.

Adam Silver: ‘Not Sure’ if ‘Inside the NBA’ Will Be Produced Differently on ESPN

BSM Staff
-
0
Adam Silver: ‘Not Sure’ if ‘Inside the NBA’ Will Be Produced Differently on ESPN

As the National Basketball Association prepares to commence 11-year media rights deals with The Walt Disney Company, Comcast Corporation and Amazon under commissioner Adam Silver reportedly worth a collective $77 billion over the term, basketball fans will be able to access games through broadcast, cable and streaming television platforms. Yet one aspect of the current presentation that will remain is the award-winning Inside the NBA studio show featuring Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny “The Jet” Smith and Charles Barkley. The program will be airing on Disney platforms (ESPN/ABC) throughout the season under a sublicensing agreement with ESPN through which TNT Sports will continue to produce the show.

Silver has traveled to Atlanta, Ga. and visited the TNT Sports studio in the past from where the show emanates. In an interview with Silver on Wednesday morning, Dan Patrick acknowledged that there are instances when Barkley is on the airwaves and not aware who is playing in a game that he is watching. While he admitted that it could be funny to them, he wanted to hear Silver’s perspective on how that settles with him as the commissioner of the Association. In his response, he contended that such a characterization “may be a little extreme” and voiced that he is watching the games.

“They made a decision to take an entertainment route with that studio show,” Silver said. “I think ESPN was always about more hardcore basketball, maybe NBC was somewhere in the middle in the old days, but it’s an entertainment show and he’s entertaining, and fans seem to love it.”

Silver conveyed that Barkley can resemble a crazy uncle at times when he is giving criticism, but he articulated a difference through the manner in which he delivers such commentary. When he is criticizing aspects of the game or the league, it comes off as the “uncle at the Thanksgiving table” and comes from a place of love. Silver does not feel the same way about some of the other commentators around the league, but he understands that Barkley has discovered a lane and does it well.

“It’ll be interesting to see how that converts,” Silver said. “As you know, they’re now bringing that studio show to ESPN and ABC next year. I think we’ll see how that works out. I love the fact that  those guys are still going to be involved in our telecasts, but I’m not sure whether it will be produced differently for them or there will be a different expectation from ESPN and ABC fans or watchers than maybe what people are seeing late at night on TNT.”

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.

Adam Silver: ‘I Spoke to Michael Jordan’ About New Role With NBC Sports

BSM Staff
-
0
Adam Silver: ‘I Spoke to Michael Jordan’ About New Role With NBC Sports

When NBCUniversal announced that Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan would be serving as a special contributor for the NBA’s return to NBC Sports, the sports media world was left stunned by the news. Immediately, reaction poured in to the headlines that Jordan—who most consider the greatest to ever play the game—would be open to being a part of the network’s relaunch, despite seemingly always straying away from the limelight in sports media. Among those surprised was NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who shared his thoughts on The Dan Patrick Show on Wednesday.

The NBA Commissioner was asked if he had been looped in on the plans for Jordan to join the NBC Sports team. Silver confirmed that he had, in fact, been consulted ahead of time about the network’s attempt to lure Jordan.

“They told me they were going to try, and I said, ‘Good luck.’ I honestly didn’t think he was going to do it,” said Silver on The Dan Patrick Show. “I know there were other inquiries over the years. I think, for whatever reason, he was ready to do it now. He has incredibly fond memories of NBC. I don’t think that’s lost on anyone.”

Furthermore, Silver noted that longstanding relationships Jordan maintains with people at NBC Sports could have played a role in his decision to take the leap with the network. The Commissioner admitted he was surprised by the development, but added that he is not quite sure what Jordan’s exact role will be on the broadcasts.

“They told me what their idea was for him in that role, and I think that they’re still working through that,” noted Silver. “I spoke to Michael about it. He’s excited about it. For him, it means he’s got to stay current with the game. Obviously, he’s a small owner still in Charlotte, but he’s so passionate about it. We talk about [it] all the time. He wants the game to be played the right way.”

In addition, regarding the upcoming new rights agreement with NBCUniversal, Silver said he was a big fan of NBC’s previous presentation of the NBA and is excited about the network’s return to the league. With the addition of Jordan to the lineup, Silver believes it will only enhance the narrative that NBA on NBC is rooted in compelling storytelling.

“I’m excited about [it] in terms of NBC coming back, and this goes back to Dick Ebersol days. I remember that sign behind Dick’s desk that said ‘storytelling.’ I think they’re still some of the best at telling stories around the game,” said Silver. “To tell those stories to fans, I think that’s what draws them in. There’s the lovers of pure basketball, and I think the basketball is fantastic. But you also have to show how multi-dimensional these players are and explain to them the story lines, the conflict on the floor. Nobody does that better than NBC.”

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.

Joe Rogan: ‘Spotify Got Calls From Two Former Presidents’ About My Comments on COVID-19

BNM Staff
-
0
Joe Rogan: ‘Spotify Got Calls From Two Former Presidents’ About My Comments on COVID-19

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, The Joe Rogan Experience was widely criticized for conversations airing on the Spotify podcast. Rogan has claimed that some of the highest-level American political sources reached out to the company to share their displeasure with his statements.

On his latest podcast with Dr. Mary Talley Bowden, Rogan revealed that when he shared that he had been treated for COVID-19 with ivermectin — the controversial remedy for the virus originally designed for veterinary use — two former Presidents made their issues known to the digital audio giant.

“I thought it was going to be like a normal tweet that I put out or a normal Instagram post that I put out,” Rogan said of his thought process when he was approached by Spotify. “And then all of a sudden I hear that Neil Young wants me removed from Spotify. I was like ‘What the (expletive) is going on? This is crazy!’”

He did not reveal which two former presidents had reportedly shared their displeasure with him sharing that he was treated with ivermectin.

When asked if Spotify had ever censored his comments or considered removing his show, Joe Rogan said the consternation from high-level people actually helped his show.

“I grew by two million subscribers in a month,” he asserted. “I did, because people started listening. Because they made it sound like I was this maniac. They started listening like ‘Oh, he’s really reasonable and pretty humble about all this stuff and is just asking questions.”

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.

Charlamagne Tha God and iHeartMedia Launch The Drink Champs Podcast Network.

BMM Staff
-
0
Charlamagne Tha God and iHeartMedia Launch The Drink Champs Podcast Network.

Charlamagne Tha God and iHeartMedia have launched The Drink Champs Podcast Network.

In partnership with The Black Effect, content for the network will be produced by hosts N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN. The duo produces the “Roc Solid” podcast.

In a joint statement, the two said, “We’re eager to share all we’ve learned over the years in helping trailblaze in this space. Our goal is to set people up not only for success, but with the tools to forge their own lanes.”

The partnership aims to amplify new voices, elevate untold stories and expand the legacy of culturally impactful storytelling rooted in hip-hop. Additional shows will be announced in the coming weeks.

Shows on The Drink Champs Podcast Network in Partnership with The Black Effect will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts on the iHeartRadio app and wherever you get your podcasts.

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.

Mike Babchik: Hardcore Fans ‘Shouldn’t Care About TV Ratings’ for NBA Finals

BSM Staff
-
0
Mike Babchik: Hardcore Fans ‘Shouldn’t Care About TV Ratings’ for NBA Finals

Despite finishing as the most-watched programs on television since the first week of May, the first two games of the NBA Finals broadcast on ABC averaged less than 9 million viewers. Diminished ratings have been a prevailing storyline surrounding the NBA throughout the year, taking precedence prior to a historic performance across a five-game slate on Christmas Day. Even so, the NBA Finals ratings are down 24% year-over-year and contains two teams located in mid-size media markets. With the series tied at one game per side heading into a decisive Game 3 on Wednesday night, Damon Amendolara and Mike Babchik reviewed the importance of these numbers, which equate to an average of 8.84 million viewers per contest thus far.

The morning SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio show played audio from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who explained that he liked people talking about the league. At the same time though, he expressed frustration that fans have approached him on the street and asked about the ratings rather than remarking on the strong NBA Conference Finals matchups. Nonetheless, he enjoys what is happening in the league at the moment and believes it presents a strong product for basketball fans to view. When the sound finished, Amendolara asked Babchik if this was a story, to which he acceded that it was and acknowledged NBA PR spinning the narrative to compare the programs to all of television.

“This low rating thing was something that we thought would happen, and every time we talked about if there was a Pacers-Thunder series, ‘Good luck,’” Babchik said. “Good luck to all the people that wanted some of these other teams out along the way because this was going to be one of these Finals that, yeah, the NBA hardcore fan is locked in. They shouldn’t care about TV ratings, they watch the product — that’s all that really matters to them — but this would be the NBA fan’s Finals, and that’s not a good thing for the league.”

Amendolara concurred that it was a story in some ways, but he also acknowledged that the same logic does not apply in other senses. The reason he finds it relevant is that television ratings are utilized as an indicator to discern what people care about, and as a radio host, he tries to reach a broad audience with his content.

“If I came on the air today and I started talking about the FIFA Club soccer World Cup coming to New York, it’d be like, ‘Boy, DA, you are so off on what your audience wants to hear,’” Amendolara hypothesized. “There would be a sub-segment of the audience that’s like, ‘Oh my God, cool. DA’s talking about soccer to lead off the show today, and I don’t get to hear that anywhere except SiriusXM FC or whatever.’

But if I did that, it would be off the mark of what the audience was really caring about by and large, so you’re trying to constantly talk to a broadcast, the broadest cast for what we do, and that’s kind of how I’ve always approached the show wherever I was.”

On the Monday edition of the morning show, there was a debate about whether Game 2 of the NBA Finals or the men’s singles finals of Roland-Garros would draw more viewers. While the NBA game ultimately outdrew the tennis proceedings, it was something Amendolara knew would transpire based on levels of interest.

“Tennis vs. basketball no matter what is going to kind of do that, especially without an American in that men’s final,” Amendolara said. “So are the ratings significant? Yeah, in some ways, because it gives us an indication about interest in the sport, but does it really matter? As you just said, the television contracts going forward have been signed. That’s it – they are ironclad. Amazon and Peacock and NBC and ESPN have paid the money – that money is paid, that money is guaranteed.”

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.

Woodward Communications Announces Leadership Changes

BMM Staff
-
0
Woodward Communications Announces Leadership Changes

Dubuque, Iowa-based Woodward Communications (WCI) has announced appointments to its management team in Springfield, IL and Northeast Wisconsin.

B.J. DeGroot, 1150 WHBY and The Score Brand Manager, is elevated to Market Manager for the company’s Northeast Wisconsin stations. The region includes Green Bay and Appleton, and stations 105.7 WAPL, 95.9 Kiss FM, WHBY, Razor 94.7/104.7, 104.3 The Fuse, and 95.3 & 99.1 The Score.

DeGroot said, “Leading the entire portfolio of Woodward Community Media stations in Northeast Wisconsin is a significant honor. I’m committed to working with our talented local teams to continue delivering relevant content and strengthening our connection with the community.”

Woodward Director of Broadcast, Kelly Radandt, will oversee both markets. She was appointed to her position this past November.

“This expanded role presents a unique opportunity to unify our broadcast efforts and innovate across markets,” said Radandt. “I am eager to contribute to Woodward Community Media’s continued success and evolution. Onward!”

Tom Woodward, President and CEO of WCI, said, “These promotions reflect our commitment to developing strong leadership within Woodward Community Media. Kelly and B.J. have consistently shown strong leadership and dedication. We expect their new roles to drive continued success for our broadcast divisions and reinforce our standing as a leading media organization in the communities we serve.”

Kevin O’Dea will remain in his role as Springfield Market Manager.

The appointments are effective July 1.

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.

Digital Advertising Grows 14% in 1st Quarter While Broadcast Radio and TV Fall, New MoffettNathanson Data Shows

BNM Staff
-
0
Digital Advertising Grows 14% in 1st Quarter While Broadcast Radio and TV Fall, New MoffettNathanson Data Shows

Digital advertising now eats up the lion’s share of advertising dollars, and it doesn’t appear as if that will change anytime soon, according to data from MoffettNathanson Research.

Figures released by the company show that advertising in the United States grew by 11.6% overall during the first quarter. That was driven by a 13.7% uptick in digital advertising. Additionally, Advertising-based Video on Demand (AVOD) saw growth of just under 27%.

The news wasn’t all positive for every sector, however. Figures from MoffettNathanson show that terrestrial television saw a decline of 1.8% during the first three months of 2025. AM/FM radio was also down by that exact same figure.

“The growth of digital advertising continues to surprise even those of us who have tracked the industry for a long time,” MoffettNathanson says in a summary of the new report. “Just a decade ago, digital accounted for just 25% of U.S. advertising; now it makes up 75%. A remarkable shift driven by multiple factors, including the steady reallocation of media budgets from traditional brand awareness campaigns toward hypertargeted social media and intent-driven performance marketing via search and retail media.”

Additionally, the research firm states that more than 75% of all digital advertising in the United States will be spent with Google, Meta, Amazon, and TikTok in 2025. That figure commands roughly 65% of all advertising in the country.

The data shared by the company is part of its U.S. Advertising: The Funnel Has Collapsed Into One as Ad Growth Continues to Surprise to the Upside” report.

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.

Washington Commanders Reach Rights Extension With iHeartMedia D.C.

BSM Staff
-
0
Washington Commanders Reach Rights Extension With iHeartMedia D.C.

The Washington Commanders and iHeartMedia D.C. announced Wednesday the extension of their flagship broadcast partnership, solidifying a collaboration that began with the 2022 NFL season. The renewed agreement ensures that Commanders fans across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region will continue to hear live gameday broadcasts on iHeartMedia’s BIG 100.3 FM.

In addition to traditional radio, coverage will also be available via the station’s website and through the iHeartRadio App — the company’s all-in-one platform for music, podcasts, and live streaming.

“We are thrilled to extend our dynamic audio partnership with the Washington Commanders, building on the momentum and shared success we’ve achieved together the past three seasons,” said Aaron Hyland, Region President of iHeartMedia D.C. “By harnessing the power of audio across BIG 100 and our iHeartMedia platforms with broadcast, podcast, and streaming, we’re excited to deliver even more access, energy, and unforgettable gameday moments to Commanders fans throughout the region.”

Since the partnership’s launch, iHeartMedia D.C. has elevated the Commanders’ presence throughout the region through immersive radio programming, digital content, and in-person events. Moreover, the extended agreement calls for continued Washington Commanders programming across iHeartMedia D.C.’s family of stations.

Fans can expect full access to archived broadcasts through a dedicated Commanders channel on the iHeartRadio App, along with exclusive behind-the-scenes content, player interviews, and team updates throughout the year.

“Extending our partnership with iHeartMedia D.C. is an exciting step toward the future we’re building for Commanders fans,” said Jim Rushton, Chief Partnerships Officer of the Washington Commanders. “Together, we’re not only delivering dynamic gameday coverage — we’re laying the groundwork for even more innovative programming that will deepen our connection to the community and expand our engagement with our valued fans.”

In addition to gameday broadcasts, the partnership reinforces a shared commitment to engaging fans beyond the field. The Commanders and iHeartMedia D.C. will continue working together on in-market activations, including popular events like the Commanders Draft Parties and Training Camp. The collaboration will also extend to iHeartMedia’s signature experiences such as HOT 99.5’s Jingle Ball, WMZQ Fest, DC101-derland, and the WASH-For-Kids Radiothon.

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.

1...868869870...2,895Page 869 of 2,895