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Long Island Radio Station WLIT.FM Launches New Mobile App

Garrett Searight
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Long Island Radio Station WLIT.FM Launches New Mobile App

WLIT.FM is launching Season 3 with a new mobile app, a redesigned website, and expanded local programming. The Long Island-based dance station aims to reach more listeners with live DJs, local news, and on-demand content.

What We Know: The new WLIT.FM app is available for iPhone and Android, offering live streaming without requiring a login. Listeners can also access show schedules, song histories, Long Island news, and on-demand replays. Additionally, the app supports Apple CarPlay, making it easier to listen while driving. The station has redesigned its website at wlit.fm and will feature live local DJs daily, from morning programming through midnight. Season 3 includes Fresh Cutz with DJ Fresh, The Traffic Jam with DJ Milli, Unhinged with DJ Cory P, and other shows throughout the week.

What They Said: “Z100 talks to the whole tri-state. We talk to Massapequa, Bay Shore, and Huntington. Our DJs live here, our news is about here, and it’s right there on your phone and in your car. Season 3 is the end of being Long Island’s best-kept secret.” -WLIT.FM founder and CEO Cory Poccia

What Remains Unclear: WLIT.FM hasn’t disclosed download figures, audience targets, or specific plans for expanding its reach beyond Long Island. The station also hasn’t detailed whether additional features will arrive during Season 3.

What It Means: WLIT.FM is using its latest digital rollout to strengthen its position in Long Island’s competitive radio market. By combining dance music with local personalities, news, and events, the station aims to distinguish itself from New York outlets such as Z100, 103.5 KTU, and WBLI. The mobile app and CarPlay integration also give listeners more ways to access its programming throughout the day.

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Netflix Hires Former Apple Executive Steve Wilson To Oversee Podcast Wing

John Mamola
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Netflix Hires Former Apple Executive Steve Wilson To Oversee Podcast Wing

Netflix has hired former Apple Podcasts executive Steve Wilson, according to Bloomberg. He will oversee podcast content acquisition for the streaming giant.

What We Know: Wilson previously managed partner relations at Apple Podcasts. Most recently, he left his role at Daylight Media. Initially, he will join Netflix as a consultant. Netflix confirmed the appointment to Bloomberg. The hire follows layoffs at the streaming giant where over a reported 1,000 staff were slashed, including former chief content officer Bela Bejaria. Wilson declined to comment to Bloomberg.

What’s At Stake: Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos addressed Netflix’s podcast spending at Bloomberg’s Screentime conference last month. He said podcast and creator deals are a “very small investment and very small addition” to what the company does. That spending remains a fraction of Netflix’s $20 billion content budget. However, now nearly a year into the content being made available on the platform, Netflix has yet to share any specific data to performance, viewing, or subscriptions added based on podcast content. However, one study found 13% of U.S. Netflix households watched at least a minute of a podcast there.

What Remains Unclear: Notably, Netflix’s terms and financials with Wilson’s appointment are unknown. Additionally, the platform has not released viewership data for podcasts on its platform. Still, it remains unclear whether Wilson’s consulting role will become permanent.

What It Means: The appointment arrives at an uncertain time for the platform with decreasing engagement and spending still moving forward. Last year, Netflix recruited certain titles with Spotify, Barstool Sports, and iHeartMedia, which had to leave YouTube. In response, YouTube is shifting their business model to encourage creators to remain on the platform.

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Dan Bernstein: John Schriffen Should Have Never Gotten The Chicago White Sox TV Job

John Mamola
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Dan Bernstein: John Schriffen Should Have Never Gotten The Chicago White Sox TV Job

Dan Bernstein isn’t celebrating John Schriffen’s exit from the Chicago White Sox television booth. However, the longtime Chicago sports voice believes Schriffen was never the right man for the job.

What We Know: The White Sox announced Monday that they will not extend Schriffen’s contract. He joined the club before the 2024 season on a three-year deal, replacing Jason Benetti. During his first year, the team lost a modern-era record 121 games but made the postseason this past season. Meanwhile, the White Sox have already launched a national search for his replacement. In reflection on his tenure with the White Sox, Bernstein blasted Schriffen for on just how he handled himself on air but also off it.

What They Said: (All quotes via Dan Bernstein Unfiltered):

Dan Bernstein is not celebrating that John Schriffen is no longer calling Chicago White Sox games: “I’m not celebrating [John Schriffen departing the White Sox broadcasts], and here’s why. It reaffirms and rekindles my distaste over the fact that Jason Benetti isn’t the White Sox guy for the rest of his life. Or at least hasn’t been in a position here where he’s got the chance if he wants, as he goes about everything else nationally. If he just wants to have his regular job. It should be here, and should have been here. I’m never going to shake that.”

Dan Bernstein says John Schriffen rubbed a lot of people the wrong way: “[John] Schriffen was an a**hole and pissed off a lot of really hardworking, nice people when he walked in.”

Dan Bernstein on how Chicago media felt about John Schriffen: “Everybody just hated the guy when he arrived, and thought that he was dismissive, arrogant, entitled, difficult, and demanding. [He] eschewed all kinds of good faith, well offered advice. He should never have had this job and wasn’t ready for it.”

Dan Bernstein says John Schriffen didn’t understand the role he had with the White Sox: “It is implicit in the job that you’re a front man for the team. You are an ambassador in how you carry yourself, and that doesn’t mean being a d**k. Nobody wins in this. Nobody wins. At the moment. White Sox fans still lose out on having the best possible broadcast that they deserve.”

Dan Bernstein says John Schriffen turned him away from watching Chicago White Sox baseball: “I barely watched for the better part of those three years. I wasn’t really there. The teams weren’t worth the time, and all the bulls**t wasn’t worth my time. I love Steve Stone. I love him as a broadcaster. Love him as a dude. But it wasn’t enough for me to overcome what I thought were glaring, jarring weaknesses in the quality of the broadcast due to a play-by-play guy that just didn’t get baseball.”

Dan Bernstein will never get over that the Chicago White Sox let go of Jason Benetti: “I’m never going to shake the miss, the mistake, the folly. That was somehow allowing Jason Benetti, a lifelong White Sox fan, a brilliant broadcaster and a prince of a guy to walk out that door for dumb reasons.”

What Remains Unclear: So far, the White Sox haven’t named Schriffen’s successor. Steve Stone will return as analyst, yet his next partner remains unknown. Additionally, it’s unclear where Schriffen lands next after three turbulent seasons. Still, Bernstein believes the stakes reach beyond one broadcaster.

What It Means: Ultimately, Bernstein sees no winners in this outcome. He admitted he barely watched over the past three years, despite his love for Steve Stone. In his view, White Sox fans lost out on the broadcast they deserve. Above all, the move rekindles his frustration over letting Benetti walk out the door.

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B101 Host Bill Tafrow Announces Retirement After More Than 20 Years

Garrett Searight
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B101 Host Bill Tafrow Announces Retirement After More Than 20 Years

Bill Tafrow is retiring from B101, ending a radio career that included more than two decades at the Philadelphia AC station. He joined the station in 2003 before moving into morning drive and, later, afternoons.

What We Know: Tafrow joined B101 in 2003 and worked his way through the station’s lineup before becoming a morning show co-host in 2015. He spent several years in morning drive alongside Jenn Ryan, who retired nearly two years ago. Last year, Tafrow moved to the 12-7 PM timeslot, where he hosted afternoons on the adult contemporary station. Now, he’s preparing to leave the station after building a career that spanned multiple dayparts.

What They Said: “The time just flew. I worked my way in, up and around and somehow ended up on the morning show and had some amazing years with Jenn Ryan, my former partner. I’d be lying if her retiring almost two years ago, a little piece of me went out that door as well. It was an awesome honor to do afternoons here at the B, but its coming to an end. My heart is full. It truly is. I understand when people say that, but I know what it means now. I got to do everything I wanted to do in radio. There’s not one more thing left for me to do here on the B.” -Bill Tafrow

What Remains Unclear: Tafrow hasn’t publicly specified his final day on the air or whether he plans to pursue other opportunities after leaving B101. The station also hasn’t announced plans for its afternoon lineup following his retirement.

What It Means: Tafrow’s departure marks the end of a lengthy run at one of Philadelphia’s established AC stations. His transition from morning drive to afternoons also reflects the changing role he held at B101 during his tenure. With Ryan’s retirement preceding his own, the station will move forward without the former morning show partnership that defined a significant chapter of his career.

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Fred Toucher: Pat McAfee Believes He’s More Important Than He Actually Is

John Mamola
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Fred Toucher: Pat McAfee Believes He’s More Important Than He Actually Is

Fred Toucher believes Pat McAfee’s ego has officially gone to his head following the episode of College GameDay this weekend and the fallout since. On Tuesday’s Toucher & Hardy, the 98.5 The Sports Hub host blasted McAfee’s complaints about Utah saying his ego has officially gone too far.

What We Know: McAfee appeared on College GameDay Saturday from the University of Utah. Before the show, the school posted an Instagram video of students calling him “corny” and “creepy.” Then, on Monday’s show, McAfee said he felt “very, very uncomfortable” on campus. He also alluded to the 2025 assassination of Charlie Kirk at nearby Utah Valley University. Following statements from both ESPN and the University, Toucher remarked on the moment as one where McAfee’s own ego has officially gone too far.

What They Said: (all quotes via 98.5 The Sports Hub):

Fred Toucher feels Pat McAfee believes he’s too self important: “He thinks he’s everything. He thinks he’s a super fun guy [and] that he’s the most important thing in the world, and the things he says move the needle. He thinks he’s so much more important than he actually is. Plus, he makes a lot of money. He has, I guess, a popular show. All these things can be true, but it’s on at 10 o’clock in the morning on ESPN. Let’s relax a little bit about how important we are.”

Fred Toucher says McAfee can’t be the same character when he takes big money from ESPN: “What did I say when he goes, ‘We’re just trying to have fun.’ No. When you make that amount of money, it’s not fun anymore. No. Fun quickly goes out. You can have a YouTube channel and have all the fun in the world. But when you take the Disney money, my friend, the fun goes out the window.”

Fred Toucher questions if followers of Charlie Kirk could be outraged over Pat McAfee’s comparison: “Wouldn’t you be pissed if you were super into like the Charlie Kirk cause? I forget the name of it, but wouldn’t you be like, what? He’s comparing himself to this guy that just got assassinated.”

Fred Toucher doesn’t understand why McAfee goes to the limits he does with his complaints: “I don’t know who this serves, this self pity diatribe that he’s on. Even when you’re thinking it, go maybe I’m being ridiculous. I don’t know how you can be insulated from your own brain. Oh man, I’m like Charlie Kirk. Then your brain should [say] no, you’re not. It’s not someone else telling you. It’s your brain going like, oh no, no, no. This is a much different situation. I take my shirt off and scream about college football.”

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether McAfee will respond to Toucher directly. Meanwhile, ESPN backed McAfee’s safety concerns, and Utah apologized for the video. Yet, there’s been no reports of any potential threats while on campus.

What It Means: This isn’t Toucher’s first shot at McAfee. In February 2025, he called McAfee “a silly goose punter” and said his listeners were idiots. Now, Toucher sees the Utah episode as proof that McAfee’s self-importance has grown unchecked. As a result, the appearance of any dissention from his original thoughts on McAfee are simply not there for Toucher.

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.

Chuck Todd and Chris Cillizza Partner With Decision Desk HQ for Election Night Livestream

Garrett Searight
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Chuck Todd and Chris Cillizza Partner With Decision Desk HQ for Election Night Livestream

Chuck Todd and Chris Cillizza are teaming up with Decision Desk HQ for a new election night livestream. The Projection will offer viewers real-time election data and projections on November 3rd.

What We Know: The livestream will begin at 6 PM ET on Tuesday, November 3rd, and will be available on YouTube, X, and Substack. Viewers can also watch through the Decision Desk HQ Votes portal and the Noosphere app. The event will take place at a Washington, D.C., pub, with attendance limited to an invitation-only guest list. Decision Desk HQ will provide the data and projections for the program, distinguishing it from election night broadcasts that rely on results from other outlets. The news was first reported by Axios.

What They Said: “Every other Election Night stream is reacting to someone else’s numbers. On The Projection, the data and projections are ours, and we make them first.” -Decision Desk HQ co-founder Scott Tranter

What Remains Unclear: The organizers haven’t disclosed the pub’s location, the full guest list, or whether additional contributors will join Todd and Cillizza. They also haven’t detailed the livestream’s format or how frequently the program will update its projections throughout election night.

What It Means: The partnership gives Todd and Cillizza a platform to cover the 2026 midterm elections with Decision Desk HQ’s election data at the center of the broadcast. Meanwhile, the distribution strategy spans major social platforms and dedicated digital outlets, potentially reaching viewers who want election analysis outside traditional television coverage.

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, University Of Utah Release Statements Regarding Pat McAfee Tension Following Social Media Video

John Mamola
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ESPN, University Of Utah Release Statements Regarding Pat McAfee Tension Following Social Media Video

The University of Utah has apologized to Pat McAfee following College GameDay’s appearance at the university. The apology came Monday night after McAfee criticized a school social media post on his show.

What We Know: Over the weekend, McAfee traveled to Salt Lake City for College GameDay. However, the trip did not go well for McAfee. On his Monday show, he described a university-posted video of students calling him “corny” and “creepy.” He also twice referenced Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist killed at Utah Valley University in September 2025. McAfee’s reaction on Monday followed the GameDay appearance layered with a different tone from the often joyous McAfee. Monday night, both ESPN and the University of Utah released statements on the matter.

What They Said: ESPN statement regarding McAfee’s fears of security at the venue Saturday: “The safety and security of our on-air team, crew and fans is paramount at “College GameDay.” We are committed to ensuring a safe environment, and given the very real threats that members of our team face, we take issues involving their safety seriously. We support Pat and recognize the very real and valid concerns he has around safety and security.”

University of Utah statement regarding the social media post: “Our goal during the visit was to create lighthearted engagement regarding Pat being back on campus. But we missed the mark. University staff are responsible for reviewing and posting content on official social media accounts and we take full accountability for that decision. University officials have reached out to Pat to express appreciation and regret. We sincerely apologize for creating any perception that Pat was unsafe or unwelcome on our campus. Nothing could be further from the truth. Pat and the entire GameDay crew are always welcome at the University of Utah and we deeply appreciate the opportunity ESPN provides to showcase our university and community.”

What Remains Unclear: McAfee has not said whether he accepts Utah’s apology. Neither statement details the specific threats ESPN referenced, if there were any. The video in question was removed from the University’s account, but has been republished online via social media.

What It Means: Ultimately, the episode shows how quickly a lighthearted campus post can become a security conversation for some talent. Moreover, ESPN publicly stood behind one of its most visible personalities. Next, McAfee and GameDay head to Bloomington, Indiana, this weekend. A more welcoming destination for McAfee likely with his ties to the state.

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.

Larry O’Connor to Host Fisher House Foundation Veterans Day Radio Special

Garrett Searight
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Larry O’Connor to Host Fisher House Foundation Veterans Day Radio Special

Larry O’Connor will host a three-hour Veterans Day radio special for Fisher House Foundation. The program will share stories of military heroes and the families who support them.

What We Know: Together in Mission: The Fisher House Journey will be available to radio stations nationwide at no cost. O’Connor, the editor of Townhall.com and host of the nationally syndicated O’Connor & Company on Salem Radio Network, will lead the special on Wednesday, November 11th, 2026. The program features conversations with wounded warriors, veterans, military spouses, and families whose lives have been changed by Fisher House Foundation. Shorter versions will also be available for stations across multiple formats. Stations can hear a demo and register at radio.fisherhouse.org.

What’s At Stake: The special highlights the challenges military families face when a loved one needs medical treatment far from home. Founded in 1990, Fisher House Foundation has built a worldwide network of more than 100 homes near major military and Veterans Affairs medical facilities. The organization has served more than 570,000 military and veteran families, providing more than 13.4 million days of free lodging. As a result, families have saved an estimated $690 million in lodging and related expenses. The program also explores the foundation’s Hero Miles initiative and its support for adaptive sports.

What Remains Unclear: The announcement doesn’t specify which radio stations will carry the special or provide a complete list of participating markets. However, the foundation is offering the program to stations nationwide without charge or cash and barter requirements.

What It Means: The broadcast gives News/Talk stations an opportunity to recognize veterans through personal stories of service, sacrifice, and recovery. Interviews include Army veteran Jonathan Turnbull, who survived an ISIS suicide bombing in Syria, and families who relied on Fisher Houses during serious medical emergencies. Additionally, conversations with foundation Chairman Ken Fisher and President Dave Coker will examine the organization’s history and continued growth. The special connects Veterans Day recognition with the practical support available to military families. To sign up to carry the special broadcast, email O’Connor by clicking here.

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.

More ESPN Executives Reportedly Taking Voluntary Retirement Buyouts

John Mamola
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More ESPN Executives Reportedly Taking Voluntary Retirement Buyouts

ESPN is losing two of its most experienced executive producers. Mark Gross and Tim Corrigan are the latest to accept Disney’s voluntary early retirement offer, according to Sports Business Journal.

What We Know: Gross joined ESPN in 1988 and oversees NFL, MLB, combat sports, tennis and hockey coverage. Meanwhile, Corrigan arrived in 1987 and has worked the NBA since the 2007-08 season. Today, he oversees all pro basketball, including the NBA and WNBA. Gross will help produce Super Bowl LXI, while Corrigan stays through the 2026-27 NBA Finals. These are also in addition to Chief Counsel Nell DeVane, Deidra Maddock, Ben May, Kurt Dargis, Aimee Stokes and Clint Overby also reportedly departing with the same offer.

What They Said: Mark Gross (via SBJ): “Being a part of ESPN for over 38 years has been a dream come true. I’ve learned from the best and couldn’t be more grateful for all that ESPN has given me. Most importantly, I met my wife and so many close friends here. Working on practically every sport, plus ESPN Radio and the talent office, has me ready to explore the next chapter, yet not before I get to wrap up my ESPN career with the ‘MNF’ crew on Super Bowl LXI.”

What Remains Unclear: However, it remains unclear who will replace all these departing members of the Disney/ESPN team. The exodus follows both VP of ESPN Events Clint Overby and ESPN senior director of programming Kurt Dargis both accepting the same deals earlier this month.

What It Means: Ultimately, Disney is shedding decades of institutional knowledge. The offer targeted directors and above whose combined age and tenure reached at least 65. Exiting execs get up to a year of separation pay, and no non-compete applies. Consequently, veterans like Gross and Corrigan could land elsewhere without restrictions. However, how Disney pivots following the departures will remain something to watch.

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.

Rosecrans Vic Out at Power 106: Letty Peniche Speaks on Backlash

Michael Krantz
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Rosecrans Vic Out at Power 106: Letty Peniche Speaks on Backlash

Letty Peniche is addressing Rosecrans Vic’s exit from Power 106. The Brown Bag Mornings co-host says she’s deeply hurt by the backlash.

What We Know: Victor Ulloa, known as Rosecrans Vic, has left Meruelo Media’s KPWR Los Angeles amid cuts at the company’s other stations in the market. He says management told him last Friday he was coming off the air, after months of losing segments. Meanwhile, an emotional Peniche says, in remarks shared by Cult Media News, that no one consulted her on the decisions. Moreover, she wishes Vic had given her a chance to talk. The show will continue with Peniche, Cristian ‘Concrete’ Gutierrez, producer Angie Fernandez, and DJ Greg C.

What They Said: “Vic was someone that when we would talk about hip hop, that’s, that’s my go-to. Me and him back and forth, you know? … This doesn’t feel like it’s brown bag because so much of us is not one person. So much of us is the group dynamic … That said, there has been a lot of misrepresentation about my personal part in this, and I’m very, very hurt by the things that have been said on social media. I wish Vic would’ve given me a chance to talk to him. –Letty Peniche

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether Meruelo Media will address Vic’s departure publicly. Meanwhile, details on the other cuts remain scarce.

What It Means:  Peniche’s comments show the fallout is straining the show’s team. Likewise, she is the show’s lone original host, so listeners will likely look to her to answer whether Brown Bag Mornings works without Vic. Her public remarks could also shape whether the two ever repair their relationship.

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