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Ryan Clark Launches ‘The Pivot Sports’ Teaming With NFL Films

John Mamola
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Ryan Clark Launches ‘The Pivot Sports’ Teaming With NFL Films

Ryan Clark is starting over. On Monday, he unveiled a new weekly show produced with NFL Films debuting today entitled The Pivot Sports with Ryan Clark.

What We Know: ESPN laid off Clark nearly two months ago, notifying him during an NFL Live commercial break. Since then, he has leaned on his podcast, The Pivot, to stay in the NFL conversation. Now, Clark is teaming with NFL Films for The Pivot Sports with Ryan Clark, a weekly studio show. His podcast partners, Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor, join him, and it streams Mondays at 2 p.m. Eastern on The Pivot’s YouTube channel.

What They Said: Ryan Clark (via The Athletic): “People always say, ‘Hey, go start your own thing.’ But without that layoff at ESPN, I don’t believe, to be honest with you, that I ever take this step. I don’t think people realize the intimidating factor of that. There are a lot of unknowns, and so there was a level of fear. Being laid off unlocked all of that. I think the important thing is it paralleled my playing career.”

Ryan Clark (via The Athletic): “I don’t have a fear that this doesn’t work. My fear is that I will hold on to pieces of that last experience — both good and bad — and that this works in an amazing way, and I’m still not content.”

What Remains Unclear: Clark hasn’t detailed how the show’s format will evolve beyond touchscreen breakdowns and NFL Films footage. He also hasn’t said whether guests will rotate in beyond Crowder and Taylor.

What It Means: For Clark, the show doubles as reinvention and quiet vindication. Meanwhile, it reflects a broader shift as displaced TV talent builds directly for streaming audiences. Consequently, NFL Films gains a fresh outlet with a built-in podcast fan base, while Clark keeps control of his own career. Ultimately, the venture turns a humiliating firing into his next chapter.

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.

Candace Owens Tells Stephen A. Smith: I Have No Interest in Running for Office

Garrett Searight
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Candace Owens Tells Stephen A. Smith: I Have No Interest in Running for Office

Candace Owens has no interest in following Stephen A. Smith into electoral politics. The conservative commentator told Smith she’s focused on family rather than a future political campaign.

What We Know: Owens made the comments while speaking with Smith, who has repeatedly discussed the possibility of running for president. Smith has said he’d consider a campaign if he didn’t have to step away from his ESPN and SiriusXM responsibilities. His current SiriusXM lineup includes The Stephen A. Smith Show and Straight Shooter with Stephen A., a weekly program focused on politics and culture.

What They Said: “Nope. I am aspiring to family. That’s why I’m in my fifth pregnancy right now. I really enjoy my kids. And I just love my family life. I look down on politics, truly. I look down on what happens to people when they go to Washington, D.C., and give themselves over to the very swamp that they purported they were going to drain.” -Candace Owens

What Remains Unclear: Owens’ comments leave little ambiguity about her current intentions, but they don’t establish whether she could ever reconsider entering electoral politics. Smith, meanwhile, has continued leaving open the possibility of a presidential campaign, despite previously saying he has no desire to become a politician.

What It Means: The exchange highlights a notable difference between two media personalities who have built substantial platforms discussing politics. Smith has entertained the idea of moving from commentary into electoral politics, while Owens says she’d rather focus on her family and remain outside Washington.

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.

NBC Sports NFL Kickoff Game Draws Lowest Audience Since 2022

John Mamola
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NBC Sports NFL Kickoff Game Draws Lowest Audience Since 2022

NBC’s NFL Kickoff Game drew 25.1 million viewers last week. The Seattle Seahawks edged the Patriots 13-10 in a Super Bowl LX rematch.

What We Know: The average audience marks the fourth straight season topping 25 million for NBC’s opener, tying the network’s 2013-16 streak. However, it’s also the lowest Kickoff Game audience since 2022’s Bills-Rams matchup (21.7 million). Meanwhile, Adults 18-49 hit 10.0 million viewers, the best demo showing since 2021. Viewership peaked at 27.4 million during a notably low-scoring first half. This season, NBC Sports will report its NFL audiences using Nielsen’s established methodology for measuring linear television and streaming. Previously, NBC Sports had reported its NFL viewership using its own Total Audience Delivery (TAD) figures.

What The Data Shows:

YearGame (Network)Average Viewership
2026Seahawks vs. Patriots (NBC)25.1 million
2025Cowboys vs. Eagles (NBC)28.3 million
2024Ravens vs. Chiefs (NBC)29.2 million
2023Lions vs. Chiefs (NBC)27.5 million
2022Bills vs. Rams (NBC)21.7 million

What Remains Unclear: NBC’s new reporting methodology could complicate future year-over-year comparisons. No additional NFL viewership data is currently known.

What It Means: Despite the dip, NFL programming still commands a massive audience on broadcast television. The strong 18-49 demo signals continued advertiser value, even as total viewership softens. This year will be a complicated year in explaining year over year comparisons. With NBC shifting its reporting model, and Nielsen launching a co-viewing measurement. Ultimately, figures this year will cause some discussions about navigating a signature report metric for all networks to judge. Meaning advertising dollars could be at stake in the end.

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.

Tim Dukes Joins Collective Heads as Newest Partner

David Hill
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Tim Dukes Joins Collective Heads as Newest Partner

Tim Dukes joins Collective Heads as newest partner. The veteran broadcaster ends a brief retirement to lead consulting.

What We Know Dukes spent 24 years on-air in major markets. He programmed The Loop in Chicago, 96Rock in Atlanta, KGB, KIOZ in San Diego, WEBN in Cincinnati, the Power Pig in Tampa, and Y107 in Nashville. Later, he led faith-based media operations. Eventually, he became President of Hope Media Group through 2024.

What They Said “My first day of retirement drove me crazy,” Dukes explained. “That’s when Tim Richards called and asked if I wanted to join a circus—I said, ‘I can juggle. Will that help?'” Richards praised the addition: “We’re proud to welcome Tim’s many talents to the Collective. He brings brilliant thinking and skills spanning programming, marketing, fundraising, sales, and essential senior leadership experience.”

What Remains Unclear Questions linger about Dukes’ specific consulting focus. First, Collective Heads hasn’t detailed his primary responsibilities. Additionally, the firm hasn’t disclosed his client focus areas. Finally, expansion plans around the hire haven’t been announced.

What It Means Programming positions continue shrinking across terrestrial radio. Yet Dukes proves consulting offers viable alternatives. His move signals hope for veteran broadcasters seeking relevance beyond traditional on-air roles/programming. We’ll watch this partnership unfold—but Tim’s return to the industry fold matters.

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.

Mike Ryan: ESPN “Irresponsible” By Presenting Only One Side Of Protect College Sports Act

John Mamola
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Mike Ryan: ESPN “Irresponsible” By Presenting Only One Side Of Protect College Sports Act

Mike Ryan is not holding back. The Dan Le Batard Show producer says College GameDay’s embrace of Ted Cruz is irresponsible in regards to coverage of the Protect College Sports Act of 2026.

What We Know: College GameDay hosted Senator Ted Cruz this weekend to promote the Protect College Sports Act. It marked the second straight week the show dedicated airtime solely to support the bill. Last week, Nick Saban and Pat McAfee made the pitch instead. Saban is now appearing in paid ads supporting the legislation. Following the appearance by ESPN, the decision by the network to include Cruz was reportedly “an easy decision.” Ryan blasted the imbalance of ESPN’s coverage of the legislation on Monday following Cruz’ appearance.

What They Said: (All quotes via The Dan Le Batard Show):

Mike Ryan says lobbying for Nick Saban’s beliefs on College GameDay is nothing new: “This is not a new thing for College GameDay dating back to last year. Nick Saban has had his agenda, and they’ve been carrying water for this. The other side has been totally ignored. This year is different, though. Nick Saban, who is now on paid ads for the Save College Sports Act, is obviously really behind this. Has complete buy-in from everyone on that set. There is a new executive producer. The reins are totally off.”

Mike Ryan believes College GameDay is pushing out a political agenda: “You have Ted Cruz, who has said for months on end that he wants Donald Trump to sign this Safe College Sports Act on College GameDay. They are using one of the more popular cable sports television programs to further a political agenda. Now, if you want to say the pushback is, but if a Democrat were behind it, they’d also get the platform. No. Because if a Democrat would be behind it, the labor would be represented a little bit more, and Nick Saban would not be behind this bill.”

Mike Ryan believes Big Noon Kickoff has an opportunity to steal audience: “I want to hear Nick Saban and Kirk Herbstreit talk ball. I want the same jovial stuff. It is now going through someone else. It feels like two guys that I want to hear from can’t get a word in edgewise. When they do, they focus on bulls**t like this without even so much mentioning that there could be some pushback to it. It’s [College GameDay] awful this season. If Big Noon [Kickoff] got their act together, they could absolutely eat into this audience. Because I find myself watching Big Noon more.”

Mike Ryan believes ESPN is acting irresponsible by ramming politics into football pregame: “Now it’s just vibes. When it’s not vibes, it’s this conservative bulls**t propaganda. That is just totally not fair. There is a reasonable discussion. There’s plenty of things in the Safe College Sports Act that I think are good. There’s also plenty of things that I think need to be bargained from both sides. To just present Nick Saban’s side, which is just trying to ram this thing through. Take advantage of the labor and cap the amount of money that they can make, is wholly unfair and irresponsible by ESPN.”

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear if ESPN will include any voices on the opposition of the bill in its College GameDay programming.

What It Means: The criticism adds fuel to broader questions about ESPN’s political neutrality. However, it also highlights genuine tension over labor issues in the Protect College Sports Act. Meanwhile, competitors like Big Noon Kickoff could gain viewers if the trend continues. The FOX Sports pregame show has yet to devote time on its program to support or dissent over the proposed legislation. Ultimately, Ryan’s comments signal growing media scrutiny of sports-politics crossover. If the legislation is not passed by Saturday, it will be interesting to see how GameDay will approach calls for balance and appearances from dissenting voices if at all.

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.

Howard Stern: I Was Going to Retire Until SiriusXM Convinced Me to Stay

Garrett Searight
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Howard Stern: I Was Going to Retire Until SiriusXM Convinced Me to Stay

Howard Stern says he planned to retire before SiriusXM convinced him to return under a lighter workload. The longtime host revealed the arrangement Monday during his first show back from his summer hiatus.

What We Know: Stern said SiriusXM asked what his ideal job would look like after he decided he was ready to leave broadcasting. He proposed working one day per week, allowing him to spend time with his audience and longtime crew. SiriusXM agreed, and Stern now hosts one weekly show while stepping away from responsibility for Howard 101. The company continues to carry Howard 100, which remains Stern’s primary radio channel. Stern also addressed claims of creating a toxic workplace.

What They Said: “SiriusXM has been phenomenal with me. I was going to leave the business. I was. Because I figured, at my age, how many more (expletive) summers do I have? But they said, ‘What would your ideal job be? What would you like to do?’ And I said I would like to come in one day a week and be on with my audience and get with my crew. And they said, ‘Ok. Whatever work we can get out of you, we will take.'”

“You can’t do better than that. I left (Howard) 101 because I don’t want the responsibility of it anymore. I just want to have one radio channel. By the way, I have two more radio channels that I don’t want to be responsible for. When I signed here, I took on three channels. It’s a lot of work, and I’m trying to lighten my load. I canceled it. It’s exhausting.”

“I’ve never had a summer where I was treated so well in the press. It was so positive. I can’t believe it. I can’t tell you how many different people have called me a scumbag. If you think I’m a scumbag, you’re probably right.” -Howard Stern

What Remains Unclear: Stern didn’t outline how long he expects the one-day-per-week arrangement to continue. He also didn’t provide additional details about the future of the other SiriusXM channels or beyond confirming he no longer wants responsibility for them. Furthermore, Stern didn’t address any of the recent issues regarding mass layoffs on his show.

What It Means: Stern’s comments offer a clearer explanation for the reduced schedule that has fueled retirement speculation. Rather than being pushed out, he says he negotiated a role that gives him more freedom while keeping him connected to his audience.

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 Masteller Retiring After 45 Year Career In Sports Radio

John Mamola
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Scott Masteller Retiring After 45 Year Career In Sports Radio

Scott Masteller is retiring. The 97.5 The Fanatic program director will step away December 31 after more than 45 years in radio.

What We Know: Beasley Media Group announced that Masteller will retire December 31. He joined 97.5 The Fanatic three years ago and helped realign its programming and on-air lineup. Before The Fanatic, he spent seven years as WBAL NewsRadio’s program director in Baltimore. He also spent 13 years at ESPN, working in Dallas-Fort Worth and Bristol, Connecticut. In November of last year, Masteller told Barrett Media that he decided to program at 97.5 The Fanatic from his prior retirement due to his relationship with former market manager Joe Bell. Bell stepped down from Beasley Media in July of 2024.

What They Said: Paul Blake, vice president and market manager of Beasley Media Group Philadelphia: “Scott has brought tremendous knowledge, thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to excellence to The Fanatic. He understands what makes sports radio meaningful to its audience and has always been generous in sharing his insight with those around him. Scott was key in The Fanatic’s growth, and he helped position the station well for its next chapter. We are deeply grateful for Scott’s contributions and congratulate him on an outstanding career and a well-earned retirement.”

Justin Chase, chief content officer at Beasley Media Group: “Scott has helped make The Fanatic stronger during an important period in the station’s progress. We are grateful for his contributions and pleased that he will work with us to identify the right person to lead the station’s programming into the future.”

What Remains Unclear: Beasley has not named a successor as program director. Chase gave no timeline for that search. It’s unclear whether an internal candidate will be considered first. Meanwhile, the process will likely unfold over the coming months.

What It Means: Masteller’s exit closes a chapter for one of Philadelphia’s sports stations and a legacy of impactful leadership in sports radio. Consequently, The Fanatic must navigate a leadership transition. Still, his continued involvement in the search could ease that shift. Ultimately, the move underscores how much stability veteran programmers provide.

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.

Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Reportedly Form Streaming Coalition Advocating for Technology-Neutral Policies

John Mamola
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0
Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Reportedly Form Streaming Coalition Advocating for Technology-Neutral Policies

Streaming’s biggest players in Netflix, YouTube, Amazon are reportedly joining forces. The goal: protect their positioning on purchasing sports media rights and other forms of entertainment.

What We Know: According to a report by Axios, Amazon, Netflix and YouTube launched the Streaming Access and Choice Alliance on Monday. TechNet, a trade group representing Big Tech, will lead the coalition. The group formed as regulators scrutinize how sports leagues sell rights to streamers. Its core focus: defending streaming services’ ability to invest in live sports programming and other forms of entertainment.

What They Said: Mike Ward, TechNet’s senior VP of federal policy and government relations (via The Hollywood Reporter): “Americans want more content choices and flexibility in how and where they watch their favorite programming. Including sports and other live events. Streaming and digital entertainment companies offer audiences better features and value for their money. The industry and its customers deserve a dedicated voice in Washington, D.C., advocating for policies that enable innovation and address the needs of today’s consumers.”

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear how much influence the alliance will have over the DOJ and FCC’s review of the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961. Additionally, whether more streamers eventually join is unknown. Notably, all three founders previously left the Internet Association in 2021 after their interests diverged. Whether this coalition avoids that same fate isn’t yet clear.

What It Means: This alliance signals streamers are ready to fight regulatory pressure together. Earlier this year, FOX Sports reportedly pushed against streamers’ sports rights gains. In response, streamers appear to be following 2023’s Streaming Innovation Alliance playbook. Ultimately, this coalition could shape how sports rights get sold and streamed for years ahead.

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.

BIA Raises 2026 Local Advertising Forecast as Political Spending Surges

Garrett Searight
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BIA Raises 2026 Local Advertising Forecast as Political Spending Surges

BIA Advisory Services has raised its 2026 local advertising forecast by $1.6 billion. The firm now expects local ad revenue to reach $186.1 billion this year.

What We Know: BIA Advisory Services now projects a 9% year-over-year increase in total local advertising revenue for 2026. However, political advertising accounts for much of that growth, with the firm forecasting $9.7 billion in local political spending. Excluding political advertising, BIA expects local ad revenue to reach $176.4 billion, representing a 3.9% increase from 2025. Meanwhile, the company has issued its first forecast for 2027, projecting $186.5 billion in local advertising revenue.

What They Said: “Political spending came in higher than we anticipated in April, with most of the incremental spending flowing into TV OTA and TV OTT. Legal Services was also notable in this update, reaching $9.3 billion, up 4.6% from the prior forecast. Despite higher media costs and a more fragmented media environment, law firms continue to invest heavily in television, both linear and streaming, where the ability to reach large audiences and generate qualified leads continues to drive demand.” -BIA Advisory Services VP of Forecasting and Data Analysis Senan Mele

What The Numbers Show: BIA’s revised 2026 projection puts local advertising revenue $1.6 billion above its previous forecast. Political spending represents more than $9 billion of the total, while legal services advertising has also emerged as a notable category at $9.3 billion. Furthermore, BIA’s 2027 forecast of $186.5 billion sits just $400 million above its revised 2026 estimate.

What It Means: The updated forecast points to a stronger local advertising market in 2026, although political spending is driving a significant portion of the increase. At the same time, the essentially flat 2027 projection suggests advertisers and media companies shouldn’t expect another major jump once the political cycle ends. Meanwhile, continued spending from legal services and television could provide stability across traditional and streaming platforms.

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.

Greg Cote Laid off by the Miami Herald After 54 Years: “I’m Not Going To Pretend I Was Stunned”

John Mamola
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Greg Cote Laid off by the Miami Herald After 54 Years: “I’m Not Going To Pretend I Was Stunned”

Greg Cote broke his silence Monday after the Miami Herald laid him off the previous day. The longtime Miami Herald columnist detailed the call that ended his 54-year career.

What We Know: Cote’s Miami Herald run will officially end September 25. He says he learned the news from McClatchy Media over the phone. McClatchy laid off 30 Herald staffers in total, and Cote was among them. Moreover, the cuts are part of nationwide cuts affecting many different publications. Cote addressed the layoff Monday on his own podcast, The Greg Cote Show, calling it a jarring, unscripted moment.

What They Said: (All quotes via The Greg Cote Show):

Greg Cote on being cut by the Miami Herald. “I found out what it meant when people say, ‘My heart sank and my stomach sank.’ I took the call. That’s when in an appropriately somber but perhaps rehearsed I hate to have to tell you this tone of voice, a man I’d never met before or heard of informed me that my Miami Herald career of more than 50 years would be ending as of September 25th… The voice I didn’t know began to mention severance pay and all kinds of red tape and I started zoning out. My mind started racing as a reality hit and then the call ended.”

Greg Cote on the emotions of being laid off. “I’m not going to pretend that I was stunned. The newspaper industry has been a southbound zeppelin struggling for years. It was a matter of time. Colleagues of my age have been joking for years, what would last longer, our career or the newspaper industry itself. I won’t even pretend I was overwhelmingly disappointed.”

Greg Cote says he was planning to retire after the football season. “I’ve been pondering retirement for a good while. My wife’s probably sick of me hearing about it. It was the how and the when. I figured I would do it certainly on my terms and my timetable after football season, maybe in a few months. I never once imagined being laid off. Abruptly discarded like yesterday’s news. The newspaper business has turned brutally cruel.”

Greg Cote says he thought he was indispensable. “It also isn’t the [Miami] Herald making these layoffs. It’s the corporate bean counters who care about cutting costs, cutting losses more than they do journalism. We all think we’re bulletproof. I did. But in this business, none of us are. Heck, I thought I was indispensable, right? I was the main sports columnist. I’d won awards. I’m too valuable. Ha. The truth is, being laid off only hurts my ego and my vanity. Those things are should be put in their place.”

What Remains Unclear: Cote hasn’t detailed his exact severance terms, saying only that “red tape” came up on the call. It’s also unclear who inherits his signature columns and NFL picks. McClatchy has not commented publicly on his specific case.

What It Means: Cote’s blunt reflection captures a broader reckoning sweeping local news. Furthermore, it shows even decades-long veterans aren’t safe from corporate cuts. Consequently, South Florida loses another distinctive voice sooner than it expected. Moreover, his exit adds one more data point to shrinking American newsrooms.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

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