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CNN to Debut ‘Thanksgiving in America’ Special

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CNN to Debut ‘Thanksgiving in America’ Special

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.

Thanksgiving is a special day in American culture, and for the first time in history, CNN is producing a special program dedicated to some of the biggest parades in the nation.

Thanksgiving in America will air from 8 AM to Noon ET on Thanksgiving, with CNN anchor John Berman leading the coverage alongside Erica Hill.

The program will feature live look-ins at some of the largest parades in the country, including in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Houston, among others.

Additionally, the special will feature appearances from celebrities sharing their favorite holiday traditions. Scheduled to appear are Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson from TNT Sports’ Inside the NBA, as well as Bobby Flay, Drew Scott, Roy Wood Jr., Kristin Cavallari, and others.

Musical performances by Andy Grammer and The Temptations will also be included.

The special program will air live on CNN as well as on the CNN Max streaming platform.

Five Milwaukee Bucks Games to Be Simulcast on Over-the-Air Television

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Five Milwaukee Bucks Games to Be Simulcast on Over-the-Air Television

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.

Regional broadcasts of Milwaukee Bucks games continue to be televised on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin for the 2024-25 season, which takes place as Diamond Sports Group recently obtained approval to emerge from Ch. 11 bankruptcy. Yet consumers will also be able to watch select Bucks games on broadcast television through a deal structure led by Weigel Broadcasting Co. for the second consecutive year. Stations owned by Weigel, Gray Television and Morgan Murphy Media will provide Bucks fans the ability to watch five matchups on over-the-air television, beginning on Wednesday, Dec. 4 when the Bucks host the Atlanta Hawks at 7 p.m. EST.

The remaining four over-the-air broadcasts will emanate from road venues as the team hits the road to face the San Antonio Spurs (Friday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m.), Minnesota Timberwolves (Wednesday, Feb. 12, 7 p.m.), Dallas Mavericks (Saturday, March 1, 7:30 p.m.) and Denver Nuggets (Wednesday, March 26, 8 p.m.). The Bucks broadcast team includes play-by-play announcer Lisa Byington, analysts Marques Johnson, Steve Novak, and sideline reporter Melanie Ricks.

“In simulcasting select Bucks games in partnership with Weigel, we will give more fans an easy and affordable way to watch their favorite team,” Peter Feigin, president of the Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum, said in a statement. “We’re excited to team up again with a fan-first team of broadcasters, led by Weigel along with Gray and Morgan Murphy, to make the games widely available.”

Last season, Weigel stations aired 10 Bucks matchups on WMLW spanning from late February until the end of the regular season. Although there are fewer scheduled games this season, consumers have more accessibility in terms of where to watch the team.

Weigel stations broadcasting these matchups include WMLW and WYTU in Milwaukee, along with WMEI in Green Bay. Gray Television outlets include WECX in La Crosse/Eau Claire and WYOW in Wausau, while Morgan Murphy Media’s WISC will bring fans the action in Madison.

Along with the standard presentation of the March 26 game against the Denver Nuggets, Weigel will provide a separate Spanish language broadcast as well. Moreover, all five games will be a simulcast of the production disseminated by Diamond Sports Group’s FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.

“At Weigel, we pride ourselves on partnering with great organizations to broadcast high quality programming to viewers, and we’ve done just that with the Bucks, Gray, and Morgan Murphy for this season’s Fan-tastic Network,” Evan Fieldman, executive vice president of Weigel, said in a statement. “In addition to WMLW in Milwaukee and Telemundo Wisconsin, we are particularly thrilled about broadcasting Bucks games on WMEI, Weigel’s newest station in Green Bay and the home of MeTV.”

Kix Brooks Steps Down As ‘American Country Countdown’ Host

BMM Staff
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Kix Brooks Steps Down As ‘American Country Countdown’ Host

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.

Westwood One has announced that the Country music countdown program “American Country Countdown” will bid farewell to its longtime host, Kix Brooks, after an impressive 18-year tenure. Brooks, who is one half of the Country duo Brooks & Dunn, will host his final show, which is scheduled to air during the weekend of December 28-29, 2024.

Starting the weekend of January 4-5, 2025, Ryan Fox will take over as the new host of “American Country Countdown with Ryan Fox,” ushering in a new era of Country music.

Every weekend, “American Country Countdown with Ryan Fox” will showcase the leading Country hits, feature exclusive interviews, and provide behind-the-scenes stories from the Country music industry.

Ryan, a seasoned radio personality with over 20 years of experience in Country music, has established himself as a prominent voice in major markets such as Los Angeles and Dallas.

Known for his keen sense of humor and authenticity, Ryan’s passion for Country music shines through in his storytelling abilities. His engaging style has garnered him a dedicated listener base and widespread respect within the industry.

Fox said: “To be given the opportunity to take the reins on one of the longest running, most successful, Country countdown shows in the world and sit in the same chair as Hall of Famers like the legendary Kix Brooks and the late, great Bob Kingsley, is a tremendous honor. This is a terrific era for Country music, and I cannot wait to count down the biggest Country hits from coast to coast.”

“Weekend countdowns are still a favorite choice of listeners,” remarked Brian Philips, Chief Content Officer for Cumulus Media. “The modern Country music landscape shifts so quickly that our fans will devour this fast-paced new take on a proven, long-running show. Ryan Fox is down-to-earth and faithful to the music, but also has a gift for gentle irreverence and a sense of the absurd. He’s that talented friend we all welcome in our lives.”

iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman: For Future Success, Media Need to Rely on Data, Not Narratives

BNM Staff
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iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman: For Future Success, Media Need to Rely on Data, Not Narratives

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.

It is no secret that traditional media entities are facing difficult times. But iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman believes there is a recipe for success in the future.

While appearing on The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle on MSNBC last week, Pittman was asked about radio’s resilience in the face of “economic headwinds” that many in the industry are facing. Pittman shared that radio’s strengths include being a strong and trusted companion, which is something television or social media doesn’t provide.

However, he believes the industry needs to do a better job of telling its story, while also potentially changing the way it operates in some opinion spaces.

“All of us in the media business, we really do have to look at data. We really have to stop listening to our narratives which aren’t based on data, because we’re not going to help people understand each other,” Pittman said.

“If I think there’s one issue we have in this country — put your political beliefs aside — is we’ve got to learn to be able to talk to each other and let somebody say something we don’t agree with and don’t like. And we don’t vilify, we just go, ‘Well, you and I disagree’, or ‘You’re crazy, but I love you.’ That’s the way it used to be. We could have civil discourse and we can build society. I just think that’s the issue we have to work on. We got to work on it every minute we get.”

When asked if he thought that was currently being attempted, the iHeartMedia CEO said he did.

“I think most Americans today absolutely want that. You see that in all the research that people are tired of fighting just can we all like, agree? Can we just be civil? The problem is if you stir people up, you get a better rating. How do we have an economic model so it’s something other than ‘I gotta rile people up to get a rating so I can make money’?”

2024 Billboard Music Awards Adds News Ways To Watch

BMM Staff
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2024 Billboard Music Awards Adds News Ways To Watch

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.

The Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) has made a significant announcement regarding the 2024 awards show. It will be broadcast on FOX, Paramount+, and Amazon’s Fire TV Channels in a pioneering multi-platform format. This innovative approach enhances fans’ access to the highly anticipated annual event across various viewing options. The collaboration aims to reach a diverse audience through broadcast, streaming, and digital channels.

The 2024 BBMAs, hosted by actress and comedian Michelle Buteau, will air on Thursday, December 12, at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on FOX and Fire TV Channels.

Viewers can also enjoy on-demand access on Paramount+, and additional performances are available on Billboard.com and the BBMAs’ social media accounts.

The BBMAs celebrate the year’s standout artists, albums, songs, producers, and songwriters, as determined by year-end performance metrics from the Billboard charts, the music industry’s definitive source for measuring success.

“We are thrilled to bring the 2024 Billboard Music Awards to multiple platforms, ensuring fans have more options to watch the very artists they helped propel to the top of the charts,” said Jay Penske, CEO Dick Clark Productions. “By partnering with FOX, Paramount+, and Fire TV Channels, we are able to reach music enthusiasts where they are, whether they’re tuning in on TV, streaming on-demand, or watching from their mobile devices.”

“Music is just one of those magical devices that can bring people together no matter what walk of life they’re from,” said Buteau. “And that’s what makes the Billboard Music Awards so special. These amazing, chart-topping artists deserve to be celebrated, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do! With me hosting, you can expect a fun party, a cute celebration, and a whole moment in a plus-size sequin suit!”

Nielsen Releases October Media Distributor Gauge, FOX and Disney Register Increased Shares

BSM Staff
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Nielsen Releases October Media Distributor Gauge, FOX and Disney Register Increased Shares

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.

Nielsen Media Research has released the October edition of its Media Distributor Gauge, a monthly cross-platform analysis of the total television consumption compiled by media companies. This past month, FOX utilized its multiplatform television presence across its linear networks to earn an 8.4% share, marking the second consecutive month in which the company has attained the largest monthly increase among distributors. FOX garnered a 16% rise in overall viewing in October, resulting in a 1.1-point gain and fifth-place finish.

The network televised games throughout the Major League Baseball postseason during the month, including the World Series between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Viewership of the Fall Classic finished with an average of 15.8 million consumers per contest across FOX platforms, representing a 67% increase from the championship matchup in the year prior. FOX also continues to broadcast a slate of National Football League games, which will culminate with its presentation of Super Bowl LIX from New Orleans, La.

Viewership of FS1 proliferated by 260%, primarily because of its presentation of NLCS games, while the FOX News Channel realized a 12% viewership increase on the month. The company also had a 2.5% lift in viewing on Tubi, its owned free ad-supported streaming television service.

The Walt Disney Company maintained its position as the media company with the largest share of total television usage in October, accruing 11.7% of the total. Disney added 0.4 share points from September, helped by a 7% increase in viewing of ABC broadcast affiliates due to the NFL, college football and ABC World News Tonight. ESPN accumulated an 8% increase with its viewership, the largest gain among cable networks at Disney, that was driven by football and baseball broadcasts.

Out of the 14 media companies listed on the Media Distributor Gauge, nine of them have demonstrated monthly shifts up or down by one-tenth of a share point. The Roku Channel is an exception in this regard, notching a 12% monthly augmentation that burgeoned its overall television share to 1.8%.

YouTube maintained its 10.6% share from September to finish second on the chart, while NBCUniversal fell by one-tenth of a share, nonetheless retaining its No. 3 ranking at 9.2%. Paramount maintained its fourth position and also gained half a share in the process as the company nears the close of a two-step transaction that will result in a merger with Skydance Media to create “New Paramount.”

Alpha Media Returns KEEZ Mankato Top 40 As Z99

BMM Staff
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Alpha Media Returns KEEZ Mankato Top 40 As Z99

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.

Alpha Media’s Hot AC station, Mix 99.1 KEEZ-FM in Mankato, MN, officially rebranded as “Z99” earlier this month.

KEEZ-FM has transitioned back to a Top 40 format, now utilizing Westwood One’s 24/7 service. The station, previously known as “Z99” since the 1980s, underwent this change following its branding shift on Halloween 2018.

The transition to Top 40 positions KEEZ-FM in direct competition with Subarctic Media’s “Hot 96.7” KDOG in North Mankato.

Earlier this year, the station was among several small market Alpha Media outlets that experienced staff reductions, losing all local personnel.

Boomer Esiason on Insider Sources: Finding Disgruntled Personnel is ‘How the Game is Played’

BSM Staff
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Boomer Esiason on Insider Sources: Finding Disgruntled Personnel is ‘How the Game is Played’

As the New York Jets complete the bye week within the 17-game schedule, the team has underperformed and could ostensibly miss the NFL Playoffs for a 14th consecutive year, marking the longest active postseason drought in the league. The organization relieved head coach Robert Saleh of his duties in early October, and the team recently let go of general manager Joe Douglas after losing five of the next six games.

Team owner Woody Johnson reportedly made the move on Tuesday morning during a practice after arriving to Florham Park, N.J. by helicopter. Recent reporting from Dianna Russini of The Athletic indicates that quarterback Aaron Rodgers will not likely return to the team next year, but that he would like to continue playing in the National Football League.

FOX NFL insider Jay Glazer discussed a purported divide that continues to widen between the Jets players and Johnson during the most recent edition of FOX NFL Sunday. In fact, he revealed that Douglas had an inclination that he may be fired at that time, resulting in him informing interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich that it was nice to work with him. Glazer contextualized the incident as “one of many things” that is creating a divide in the locker room that continues to expand. The source of such reporting, however, was of discussion between Boomer Esiason and Gregg Giannotti on Monday’s edition of Boomer & Gio on WFAN.

“Alright, so you have two guys that have been fired,” Esiason said. “They could be – those are your sources. There you go – I mean, it’s one of those two guys. It’s either Joe or Rob that is talking to him, and this is how the game is played. You find the disgruntled guy, the fired guy, ask a few questions, get a few answers – next thing you know, this is where it all comes from.”

Esiason, who was a quarterback in the NFL for 14 seasons, was formerly a member of The NFL Today on CBS Sports. The show contained a segment dedicated to insider reporting with Jonathan Jones, who recently prognosticated that Rodgers would not be back with the Jets next year. In fact, Jones told host James Brown that if he thought Rodgers would return to the organization in the 2025 season, he had a bridge to sell him.

“If there’s a divide between the owners and the players, I mean, you can’t really fix that, can you?,” Giannotti added. “Woody Johnson’s not selling the team, and unless someone’s contract is up at the end of the year, they’re going to be here.”

Within Glazer’s segment, he also talked about the injury to Brock Purdy and interest in quarterback Daniel Jones, who was granted his release from the New York Giants last week. Throughout his tenure with FOX NFL Sunday, which he officially joined in 2004, he has broken several monumental stories within the league and given fans inside information about the latest news and injuries.

In addition to his work with FOX Sports, Glazer is an advocate for mental health, documenting his experiences with depression and anxiety, speaking to groups about his journey and starting the Merging Vets and Players foundation to assist military veterans and professional athletes.. Barrett Media honored Glazer as the recipient of its Champions Award at the 2023 BSM Summit in Los Angeles, Calif.

Paul Severino Will Not Return to Miami Marlins Television Broadcasts in 2025

BSM Staff
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Paul Severino Will Not Return to Miami Marlins Television Broadcasts in 2025

Paul Severino, the television play-by-play announcer for Miami Marlins baseball since 2018, revealed that he will not be returning to the airwaves next season. As a result, the team will hire a new broadcaster to fill the role for the first time in seven years. The decision breaks up the broadcast team that contained Severino with a rotation of analysts that included Rod Allen, Tommy Hutton, Jeff Nelson and Gaby Sanchez.

“It was brought to my attention today that I will not be invited back as the TV voice of the Miami Marlins for 2025 and beyond,” Severino said in a statement on Friday. “I gave the broadcast and the audience everything I had, every night, for seven years.”

Severino was previously a host at MLB Network for parts of eight years before departing the league-owned entity to call Marlins games on television. Before his stint with MLB Network, he worked in his hometown of Bristol, Conn. as a host for ESPN studio programming. Rich Waltz had served as the previous voice of the Marlins before he was let go after the 2017 season, remaining with the organization through its move to loanDepot Park (formerly known as “Marlins Park”) and rebrand.

“The Miami Marlins and FanDuel Sports Network have decided to go in a new direction with our television play-by-play announcer,” both entities said in a statement. “Together, we will begin a search for our new TV voice ahead of the 2025 season. We thank Paul for all the hard work over his tenure and wish him and his family the best.”

Within his written statement posted to X, Severino thanked executives Steve Tello and Brett Opdyke for taking a chance on him in 2018. Additionally, he expressed gratitude for producer John Sulser and the rest of the broadcast crew that he saw on a daily basis at the ballpark. Severino also thanked the fans for welcoming him to the Marlins broadcast team and his family for their support throughout the year. Throughout his seven years on the air, he called more than 1,000 Marlins games spanning spring training until the end of the regular season.

“I pride myself on my work ethic,” Severino said. “These sorts of jobs are precious and it’s the only type of job I ever wanted. I tried to treat every game like it was my last. I prepared the same way on April 1st as I did on October 1st. Joe DiMaggio once said, ‘There might be a kid out there watching me for the first time… they deserve my best.’

“I tried to approach every broadcast with that mindset. I did my best to keep things light and fun. As I said many times on our broadcasts, the audience works or goes to school all day, they don’t want to hear us complaining. Baseball is supposed to be entertaining. Hopefully, that came across.”

Diamond Sports Group recently obtained approval to emerge from Ch. 11 bankruptcy after 20 months, currently holding broadcast rights to 27 professional sports teams between Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League. The Sinclair subsidiary reached a deal with Amazon to market its FanDuel Sports Network content on Prime Video and a naming rights contract with FanDuel Corp. In addition to the Marlins, the enterprise will broadcast regional games for the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers and Tampa Bay Rays next season.

Darlas Rai Departs Cumulus Media’s 95.5 Nash Icon, Nashville

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Darlas Rai Departs Cumulus Media’s 95.5 Nash Icon, Nashville

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.

Darlas Rai, the night host of “95.5 Nash Icon” WSM-FM in Nashville, has departed from the station as she transitions into what she describes as “semi-retirement.”

Since 2014, Rai has hosted the local evening show in Nashville and a national night show for Cumulus and Westwood One’s “Nash Icon” brand.

Prior to this, she spent eight years hosting midday at sister station Country 103.3 WKDF. Other stops include Las Vegas and Portland.

Calling it a “Life Update,” Rai posted on Facebook:

“After nearly 19 years LIVE on the Nashville airwaves 7 pm-12mid, I am very excited to announce, I am entering Semi-Retirement…meaning I’ll be working from my beautiful home studio and NO MORE COMMUTE!

A huge thank you to all of my co-workers for all the memories made, both on-air and serving our community. Y’all are the BEST in the business. This is not goodbye, rather, see you around as we are not leaving the Nashville area.

I’ll have some updates soon after the holidays on where you can hear me on the dial.

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