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Megyn Kelly: Jake Tapper Told Me He Wanted to Answer Tough Questions About Book on Joe Biden

BNM Staff
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Earlier this week, Megyn Kelly welcomed Jake Tapper to her show for an interview about his new book on former President Joe Biden. It was, at times, contentious, and subsequently went viral.

During an appearance on Mark Halperin’s podcast, Kelly shared the strategy behind her interview with Jake Tapper.

“I did go back and forth on how I should start it,” Kelly said. “Should I start it by getting into the facts of the book, or should I start it by really pushing him on whether he’s the right messenger? I knew I had to get to pushing him on whether he’s the right messenger, that that could not be sacrificed … that made sense to me.”

Kelly noted that she was somewhat limited in the time she would have with Tapper due to the nature of her SiriusXM show.

She also shared that she and Tapper are friends, adding an extra layer to the interview.

“We’re not like tight friends, but we’re friends. We’ve been friendly — I guess is a better way of saying it — for some 15 years. Now, I’ve never done anything social with Jake, but we like each other, so it was kind of awkward. In the booking process, he and I had been in touch, and that I was going to push him. He told me before the interview he wanted that because he wanted to answer the tough questions for all of his skeptics. So I felt like we were on good ground for me to go for it.”

During the interview, Jake Tapper called Kelly’s questions “tough but fair,” while the SiriusXM host told the CNN anchor that “One of us didn’t miss the biggest story of the century when it comes to presidential politics, and one of us did.”

In “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again,” which Tapper co-authored with Alex Thompson, questions about Biden’s decision to run for re-election in 2024, as well as his mental acuity, are called into question.

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Hits On The Horizon: Scotty McCreery, Royal Otis and Russ

Jim Ryan
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Hits On The Horizon: Scotty McCreery, Royal Otis and Russ

Here we are, Memorial Day weekend and the start of Summer 2025! That means the window is officially open to start tracking the Summer Songs of the year candidates. 

A couple of my choices come straight from the Country category this year. Scotty McCreery w/ Hootie and the Blowfish/“Bottle Rockets,” Bailey Zimmerman & Luke Combs/“Back Up Plan,” my other two choices to watch are Role Model/“Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” and Morgan Wallen w/ Tate McCrae/“What I Want.” We’ll see how good my picks turn out by Labor Day! 

Now, on to some picks for your ears this week. 

From the Top 40/Hot AC space, here’s a couple that should be in your ears. With another 10 million plus streams this week and early commitments from Z100-NY, 99.7 Now-SF, BLI- Long Island, and Sirius XM-Hits 1- Benson Boone/“Magical Mystical” is something that should be on your radar. No streaming story on this yet, but Lola Young/“One Thing” sounds like a good follow-up to “Messy.” Final choice this week is A20 May/“Boss” not a real in-depth lyric message, but it has a great groove!

Moving on to the Rock world for this week. At Alternative with love from Alt 98.7 in LA, Sirius XM-Alt Nation and KITS-SF Royel Otis/“Moody.” I mentioned this one before, and the more I listen to it, the more I’m sure you should not miss this one! Streams on this song also jumped up 99% this week. 

If Pop/Hot AC is looking for a rock record with crossover potential, this is probably the one!  If you have not done so yet, give a listen to Three Days Grace/“Apologies,” I also mentioned this one a couple of weeks ago, and streams are over 2 million a week now and growing! One that should for sure get some time with your ears is Sammy Hagar/“Encore, Thank You, Goodnight.” Sammy pays tribute to his former bandmate, the late Eddie Van Halen, with help from Joe Satriani and Michael Anthony. The song will remind you of Eddie and his genius guitar playing.

From the Country World this week, with quite a few big stations in the format already on board, Mitchell Tenpenny/“Same Moon” sounds like a song you should consider if it is not already playing. Chris Stapleton/“Bad As I Used To Be” is catchy and worth your ears being on it! And the final choice for the week goes to Morgan Wallen/“Kick Myself.” There are really so many good songs on his new album, “I’m The Problem.” You should have fun listening to this one!

From the Rhythm universe this week, get your ears on Girlfriend/“Come Thru” if you have not already.  Russ/“Crazy” is another for your ears this week, with streams topping a million this week and growing! One final choice for the week is Latto/“Somebody,” Not much love yet, but certainly worth spending some time with it and considering for airplay.  

Well, there are my choices for your ears this holiday weekend. Happy listening!

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. 

FS1 ‘First Things First’ Airing Two Shows Live From Indianapolis Motor Speedway

BSM Staff
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FS1 ‘First Things First’ Airing Two Shows Live From Indianapolis Motor Speedway

FS1 will be broadcasting two editions of First Things First on Friday live from Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Nick Wright, Chris Broussard and Kevin Wildes will be hosting the first edition of the 90-minute afternoon show beginning at 1 p.m. EST and taking place concurrent with the Wienie 500, which commences at 1:45 p.m. EST and will be streamed live on the FOX Sports app and FOX IndyCar handle on X. FS1 will then present coverage of the NTT IndyCar Series Pit Stop Competition with contributions from Will Buxton, Townsend Bell, James Hinchcliffe, Georgia Henneberry, Kevin Lee and Jamie Little. Once that concludes, First Things First will air a second one-hour episode at 4 p.m. EST.

Wright, Broussard and Wildes broadcast on FS1 live from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday in an episode that featured guest appearances from racecar drivers Helio Castroneves and Kyle Larson. The Friday show will also be featuring more drivers coming on the set and FOX Sports talent live on site from the racetrack. First Things First has traveled on the road previously surrounding select FOX Sports broadcasts, including ahead of Game 4 of the World Series featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees from Yankee Stadium in New York, N.Y.

“FOX Sports does live sports better than any place in the world. It’s really a huge compliment to the show that they want us to be a part of the FOX festivities in Indy,” Wright said in a recent interview with Barrett Media. “….Even though I have not in my life been to an Indy race, I’m super excited to be at the most prestigious race on the circuit and one of America’s longest-standing sports institutions, and to not only be able to go, but to be a part of race week with FOX is really thrilling.”

Fox Corporation reached a media rights deal last year with the NTT IndyCar Series that grants the racing property 19 broadcast windows on network television. In fact, all races within the IndyCar Series this year are being televised on FOX and will also be available on the FOX Sports app. This includes the Indianapolis 500 race that is scheduled to take place this Sunday from the speedway, which will commence with pre-race coverage on FOX starting at 10 a.m. EST.

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.

Jimmy Pitaro: ESPN Direct-to-Consumer Platform is Not Looking ‘to Get People to Cut the Cord’

BSM Staff
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Jimmy Pitaro: ESPN Direct-to-Consumer Platform is Not Looking ‘to Get People to Cut the Cord’

Over the last several years, there has been interest in ESPN launching a direct-to-consumer platform to reach its fans who do not subscribe to a traditional television provider, something that is going to become a reality this fall. ESPN recently revealed that the platform will have two subscription plans, including an unlimited option for $29.99 per month, and that its reveal will be accompanied by enhancements to the ESPN app. Recent estimates from Nielsen Media Research cited by John Ourand of Puck conveys that the ESPN flagship channel currently reaches 62.7 million homes, reflecting a greater trend in the television business as more consumers opt to cut the cord.

ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro has described the direct-to-consumer launch as the biggest transition in the history of the company and contextualized such as taking “parallel paths.” While the company is not abandoning its audience on cable television, it is trying to reach cord-cutters and cord-nevers with the new optionality. Pitaro recently expanded on his thoughts regarding the new platform during an appearance on The Grill Room podcast hosted by Dylan Byers, a founding partner and senior correspondent for Puck.

“The way we’re looking at this is being additive,” Pitaro explained. “This is a service that is really going to be marketed to the folks that are on the sidelines. That being said, we are somewhat agnostic in terms of how you subscribe to ESPN. If you want to subscribe, if you want to access us through the traditional way, that’s great. By the way, in the traditional side of the business, what we see is folks signing oftentimes multi-year contracts, right, whereas on the direct side, you’re going month to month, so there is a concern of churn. So you can argue it both ways in terms of which side is more valuable.”

Pitaro represented the value of having a direct relationship with the consumer rather than going through a third-party provider because of the data the company will be able to parse. The company does not have the necessary data at the moment, restricting its ability to accurately and effectively personalize content in the ESPN app based on consumption trends. Even so, Pitaro contends that the network is not trying to go after consumers using the traditional model.

“The goal is not to get people to cut the cord,” Pitaro said. “From our research, there are many millions of households that are very happy with the traditional ecosystem with having one username and password, not having multiple charges on their credit-card statement every month. They see the value of having or being in this multi-channel environment.”

Part of being able to minimize churn comes through ESPN having compelling, year-round programming through its live sports rights, which is part of the reason Pitaro explained the company agreed to a new 11-year contract with the NBA. Combined with its broadcasts of NFL games, the College Football Playoff, the NHL and championship events within the NCAA, Pitaro believes that the portfolio of rights has never been stronger.

Starting next season, ESPN is no longer going to be televising Major League Baseball games after both sides exercised a mutual opt-out in its deal. Although this was a tough decision for him to make, Pitaro articulated that the company’s position has not changed in that it hopes to be in business with the league on the proper terms. NBCUniversal reportedly submitted a bid for the package of rights ESPN will no longer hold starting next season, which includes Sunday Night Baseball, the T-Mobile Home Run Derby and games within the Wild Card Round of the MLB postseason.

“We have made it very clear to the league office that we love the game and we’d like to remain in business, and we are willing to be creative here and look at things like local in-market games in addition to national, in addition to the Home Run Derby,” Pitaro said. “We remain ready and willing to engage, but as I sit here right now, we are not engaged. The ball is in their court.”

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.

As Lester Holt Prepares to Leave NBC Nightly News, First Promos for Tom Llamas Hit Air

BNM Staff
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As Lester Holt Prepares to Leave NBC Nightly News, First Promos for Tom Llamas Hit Air

Next Friday, Lester Holt will anchor NBC Nightly News for the final time, paving the way for Tom Llamas to take the chair. NBC News has started its promotional campaign for its new anchor.

In March, NBC News revealed that Tom Llamas would succeed Lester Holt as anchor of the venerable newscast after the announcement that Holt would step away to turn his attention to the Dateline franchise.

Earlier this week, the network began airing promos highlighting Llamas’ work in the field and the importance of NBC Nightly News over the generations.

“Legacy isn’t handed down. It’s carried forward,” the promo shares of Llamas taking over the nightly newscast.

While Holt’s final show will be on Friday, May 30th, Llamas will step into the anchor chair the following Monday, June 2nd, to begin his tenure leading the newscast.

“Anchoring NBC Nightly News is a profound honor and one that carries tremendous responsibility. I look forward to working with the world-class journalists at Nightly News and Top Story to bring viewers the most important stories every night,” Llamas said at the time he was announced as the new anchor of the program. “Lester Holt is a great man and one of the most trusted broadcasters of our time. Just like Lester, I promise to be devoted to our viewers and dedicated to the truth.”

Holt has spent just under a decade as the lead anchor for NBC Nightly News.

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Tammy Mencel Named GM At Pacific Media Group Honolulu

BMM Staff
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Tammy Mencel Named GM At Pacific Media Group Honolulu

Tammy Mencel has been named General Manager at Pacific Media Group’s Honolulu Radio cluster.

Mencel’s media experience includes Pacific Business News Publisher and the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

She will oversee the operations of 102.7 da Bomb, 105.9 The Wave, HI93 and 94.7 KUMU.

Pacific Media Group CEO, President, and Director Chuck Bergson said, “It is our pleasure to welcome Tammy to the PMG Team. Her deep expertise in media, combined with her proven leadership and strong connections in the Honolulu market, will greatly strengthen our company and help drive our success.”

Mencel added, “I am truly honored to be joining such a talented and passionate team that has built a strong reputation across Hawaii’s media landscape. I bring a background in media, leadership, and business growth, but what really excites me is working alongside great people who care about making an impact.”

Continuing, Mencel stated, “PMG’s reputation for local connection, creativity, and community focus is what drew me here. I’m grateful to be joining such a talented and passionate team and am excited for all we’ll accomplish together.”

Mencel is a member of the Hawaii Publishers Association and the Air Force Civilian Advisory Council. She also serves as a mentor to the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.

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Meadowlark Media, Draftkings Extend Partnership With Multi-Year Agreement

BSM Staff
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Meadowlark Media, Draftkings Extend Partnership With Multi-Year Agreement

Barrett Media has confirmed a report that Meadowlark Media and DraftKings are extending their partnership sponsorship of a number of programs, including The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz. While exact details have not yet been released regarding the extension, a source has confirmed to Barrett Media that the two companies will be continuing their partnership that began in 2021 under then-Meadowlark Media CEO John Skipper.

Front Office Sports was the first to report the extension between Meadowlark Media and DraftKings, noting that the company will take over Meadowlark’s ad sales while continuing the distribution of several programs. Greg Cote, who appears on the Le Batard program, writes in the Miami Herald that it’s a multi-year extension worth more than $50 million and will be officially announced likely next week.

Meadowlark Media was founded in 2021 by Dan Le Batard, who left ESPN Radio in January of that year, and Skipper. Recently, Skipper stepped down from his role with the company after four years. However, he will continue his involvement as a co-host on The Sporting Class with Pablo Torre and David Samson.

When the report of Skipper leaving Meadowlark Media became public, Le Batard took to X to thank Skipper for his contributions to the company and said that the audio and video network was thriving. He also expressed hope of sharing good news regarding the network in the near future.

Meanwhile, the DraftKings news comes just weeks after Barrett Media reported that Jon “Stugotz” Weiner would be stepping back from his role on The Dan Le Batard Show while negotiating the number of appearances he would make on the program this year. Weiner has since taken ownership of his God Bless Football and STUpodity podcasts and launched his own YouTube channel in January.

In addition, several other notable changes have occurred. For instance, the Shutdown Fullcast—a college football podcast hosted by Spencer Hall, Ryan Nanni, Jason Kirk, and Holly Anderson—exited Meadowlark last year.

DraftKings had previously signed a three-year contract with Meadowlark Media to serve as the presenting sponsor of programming. Le Batard stated on a March edition of his show that the deal was ending in “a few months” but did not provide further details regarding the situation. Beyond that, the company remains active in other podcasting ventures and records shows from studios in both Miami and New York City.

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Adult Hits MC93 Debuts In Muscatine/Quad Cities

BMM Staff
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Adult Hits MC93 Debuts In Muscatine/Quad Cities

Following the purchase from Jam Media Solutions bankruptcy trustee, Krieger Media has flipped Rocker 93.1 The Buzz in Muscatine, Iowa, to Adult Hits MC93.

The switch follows a short stunt with Christmas music. The station is positioned as “Muscatine’s Choice For Music.”

Muscatine is a rimshot to the Iowa/Illinois Quad Cities. Connor Kenney has been named station manager for both MC93 and sister station Classic Country 860/95.1 KWPC.

Kenney was previously Brand Manager and midday personality at Top 40 B100 Quad Cities. He departed that role this past March. (BMM 3/26)

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Bryan ‘B-Dub’ Washington Set To Embark On B-Dub’s Longest Ride

BMM Staff
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Bryan ‘B-Dub’ Washington Set To Embark On B-Dub’s Longest Ride

Nationally syndicated radio host Bryan “B-Dub” Washington is gearing up to embark on his third annual “B-Dub’s Longest Ride,” a solo motorcycle ride across the US.

The ride will begin June 15 in Washington’s home base of Portland and include stops in Salt Lake City, Denver, Nashville, Chicago and Minneapolis.

The ride raises money for Fisher House Foundation, which provides free housing to military families while loved ones receive medical care.

Washington said, “It’s the least I can do for families who sacrifice everything. If riding 5,000 miles in 10 days helps even one family stay close during a tough time, then saddle up—I’m all in.”

Washington hopes to raise $25,000 in donations. Those wishing to donate can visit BDubsLongestRide.com.

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. 

Marc James Apologizes for Mocking Seattle Mariners Broadcaster’s Accent

BSM Staff
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Marc James Apologizes for Mocking Seattle Mariners Broadcaster’s Accent

Marc James was hired by Sports Radio 93.3 KJR in February of this year to host MJ in the Midday following the departure of Gregg Bell, who resigned to begin his own podcasting venture. James made headlines earlier this week as he mocked Seattle Mariners television broadcaster Ryan Rowland-Smith for his Australian accent in calling games.

On Thursday morning, James issued an apology to both Rowland-Smith and his partner Luke Atkins for his comments during Tuesday’s program.

“I want to personally apologize to Ryan Rowland-Smith and Luke Arkins, because neither one of them deserved what I did,” James said on Thursday. “It was absolutely unprofessional, it was reprehensible, it was inexcusable.”

Initially, the segment began as James was reading a text message from a listener that complained about Rowland-Smith’s calls on the broadcast, with the listener labeling his delivery as “marble-mouthed.” James agreed with the texter and then went on a several-minute rant about Rowland-Smith’s pronunciation of the word fastball, saying that this “Aussie guy” is so out of place and “that’s not baseball.”

To provide context, Rowland-Smith spent five years in the big leagues with the Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks. He appeared in 121 games total, including 115 for the Mariners over four years, going 12-17 with a 4.57 ERA. He started 47 of those games and also earned two saves.

Reflecting on the incident, James added, “I’m new here and it’s taking me a long time to find the way to get acclimated, and that was not me. That is certainly not someone that my family, my father, would be proud of. And all I ask of you is I ask for your forgiveness,” James said.

Furthermore, this isn’t James’ first time dealing with controversy in his career. During a stint in Boston at NESN, he was suspended for a week for reportedly sending angry text messages after a woman declined to have a drink with him. Deadspin published the text messages, which James said someone else sent using his phone.

“This is not indicative of the type of human being that I am. So I ask you, Seattle, to give me a chance and hopefully, in time, I will earn your trust and you will forgive me,” said James in his apology Thursday.

Previously, James has worked in Boston, 92.9 The Game in Atlanta, WFNZ in Charlotte, WEEI in Boston, and most recently covered sports for Genesis Communications Sports Talk Florida in Tampa.

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.

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