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Dave Portnoy Promises Better Editorial Oversight At Barstool Sports

BSM Staff
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Dave Portnoy Promises Better Editorial Oversight At Barstool Sports

Barstool Sports president Dave Portnoy is apologizing for the company’s role in amplifying an internet rumor involving Ole Miss student Mary Kate Cornett. During an appearance on NBC News, the Barstool Sports founder was asked about the company’s involvement, as several employees had posted about the viral rumor that Cornett had been sleeping with her boyfriend’s father—a claim that was later found to be untrue.

When asked what he would like to say to Cornett if given the chance, Portnoy was quick to offer his apologies for how the company handled the situation.

“I would apologize,” said Portnoy to NBC News. “I get why the family is pissed. I’m sad and I wish we didn’t play any part in it. I’d apologize and say I wish we didn’t.”

In the aftermath of the digital brand throwing the rumor into the public eye, Cornett told NBC News last week that her life was turned upside down due to the rumor going viral on platforms like Barstool Sports and The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN.

“I’m not a public figure that you can go talk about on your show to get more views,” Cornett told NBC News last week. “I’m not, sorry.”

Following Cornett’s comments, Portnoy told NBC News that he’s now looking to improve Barstool Sports’ editorial standards among its employees.

“I thought they were really stupid,” Portnoy told NBC News about several employees who posted about the rumor. “For me I’ve been doing this a long time. I thought it was clearly a fake story. I thought we were better than that.”

Meanwhile, McAfee brought up the internet rumor—without naming Cornett—during an episode of his show live from the NFL Combine in February. With Cornett now threatening legal action against McAfee and ESPN for their role in spreading the rumor, McAfee had remained silent on the matter until his Big Night Aht program on Wednesday night, where he seemed to address Cornett once again without naming her.

“I have a lot of people saying that I should be sued,” McAfee said on Wednesday night. “I want to say this: I never, ever want to be a part of anything negative in anybody’s life, ever. That is not what I want to do.”

Subsequently, McAfee expressed his desire to help make amends.

“We will try to figure that out and make some sort of silver lining in a very terrible situation,” McAfee said Wednesday night. “You can have that promise from me.”

Finally, The Pat McAfee Show has been off all week and is scheduled to return to the air on Monday.

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.

Shan & RJ Celebrate 14 Year Anniversary On 105.3 The Fan

BSM Staff
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Shan & RJ Celebrate 14 Year Anniversary On 105.3 The Fan

Today, the Shan & RJ program on Dallas’ 105.3 The Fan celebrated its 14-year anniversary since launching on the Audacy sports radio station. Originally dubbed New School with Shan and RJ, the program has featured a number of personalities who have come and gone over time since its debut on the station in 2011.

During the opening segment of today’s program, RJ Choppy shared his thanks while recalling how the show came to be on 105.3 The Fan.

“Fourteen years,” exclaimed Choppy. “Thank you for everyone who made it possible.”

In Shariff’s absence—he is currently on paternity leave—the program had some fun at his expense during their segment about the anniversary of the show. For example, when co-host Bobby Belt asked who would retire first from the long-standing morning program on The Fan, Choppy was quick with his response.

“Shan will retire first, he’s semi-retired now,” joked Choppy. “I got six more years of child support, and then I got to spend another 15 years recouping what I lost. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to retire. I would like to retire first, but I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to.”

The duo came together in 2011 as Shariff joined the station from Audacy’s The Fan AM 610 in Kansas City, while Choppy was already based in Dallas working for the now-defunct ESPN 103.3FM station. Reflecting on that time, Choppy recalled how the hiring process went for the duo with then Vice President of News-Talk-Sports Bruce Gilbert.

“We did one interview together in January of 2011,” recalled Choppy. “We sat down in Bruce’s office and just talked for about an hour.”

Following that meeting, Choppy noted that the first time the duo met in person was the Friday before their first show aired. He then recalled how, when the new opportunity at The Fan came along, he had modest expectations for what might come of it.

“I was hoping for two years,” Choppy said. “I was about to leave the industry; I was going to sales or something. I would have gotten into real estate or something.”

Now, 14 years later, Choppy expressed gratitude to all the listeners who have continued to support the show on the radio station, sharing his appreciation and optimism for the future.

“I didn’t think The Fan would last 14 years,” joked Choppy.

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.

Hits on Horizon: Songs to Consider Across Six Music Radio Formats

Jim Ryan
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Hits on Horizon: Songs to Consider Across Six Music Radio Formats

So here we go, week two of our ‘Hits on Horizon’ feature. A good start is to see how some of the week one picks are fairing.

From the Pop world, both Ed Sheeran‘s “Azizam” and Miley Cyrus’ “End Of The World” started strong, as expected. Alex Warren‘s “Ordinary” is a solid smash, with additional Hot AC programmers embracing it. The audience grew another two million in streams this week to over 18 million for the week. 

If you are a Pop or Hot AC programmer…DON”T MISS this one!

For this week, I want to throw three choices out there. Lady Gaga‘s “How Bad Do You Want Me” and Myles Smith‘s “Nice To Meet You” are the first two. I spoke with one programmer who told me he thinks Hot AC needs to embrace Myles and make him core to the format! The third option this week is The Weeknd‘s “Open Hearts”.

For Country this week, Lainey Wilson‘s “Country’s Cool Again” is a top choice. I also like Jordan Davis’ “Bar None,” Ella Langley‘s “Girl You’re Taking Home,” and Morgan Wallen‘s “Money On Me.” Some of the best songwriting and hooky songs are currently in this format!

From the Rock world, Devil Wears Prada‘s (No, this has nothing to do with Meryl Streep) “Ritual” is a straight-up hard-driving track. It has a good hook for Active Rock.

 In the Alt world, I think Neiked & Portugal The Man‘s “ Glide” is a potential winner. I’m also liking Haim‘s “Relationships”.

From R&B/Rhythm, J Cole‘s “cLOUDs,” and Coco Jones‘ “Taste” stand out. Another fun, catchy song is Rob49‘s “WTHELLY.”

Let’s see next week if these songs continue to grow in their formats or beyond.

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.

Fox News Hires Salem Radio Network Host Hugh Hewitt as Contributor

BNM Staff
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Fox News Hires Salem Radio Network Host Hugh Hewitt as Contributor

Fox News has added Salem Radio Network host Hugh Hewitt as a new contributor to the cable news network.

Hewitt has been a frequent guest on Fox News programming and has also been no stranger to the network’s digital efforts, penning opinion columns for the network periodically. Previously, Hewitt had written columns for The Washington Post before abruptly leaving the outlet last year over his contention with the way the publication was covering now-President Donald Trump.

The 69-year-old is no stranger to cable television. He hosted a weekend show on MSNBC from 2017 to 2018. He has also served as a moderator for televised presidential debates with both CNN and NBC News

The Hugh Hewitt Show airs on Salem Radio Network live from 3-6 PM ET. Previously, Hewitt was the network’s morning show, before shifting to afternoon drive after the former host of the daypart — Sebastian Gorka — joined the Trump administration earlier this year.

Hewitt becomes the latest member of the Fox News team with news/talk radio ties. Primetime hosts Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham have both hosted nationally syndicated radio shows, with Hannity earning second place in the Barrett Media Top 20 National News/Talk Radio Shows category in 2024.

Additionally, the network employs nationally syndicated radio host Mark Levin for a weekend show, while Fox & Friends co-anchor and One Nation host Brian Kilmeade hosts a nationally syndicated radio show through Fox News Radio, as does colleague Guy Benson.

Hewitt will make his debut on Fox News as a contributor during Special Report with Bret Baier on Friday at 6 PM ET.

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.

Gregg Giannotti: Marv Albert Is the Top New York City Play-By-Play Voice of All Time

BSM Staff
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Gregg Giannotti: Marv Albert Is the Top New York City Play-By-Play Voice of All Time

There has been a lot of change in the air for New York City’s sports franchises, with legendary names who called the action stepping down from their posts in recent years. John Sterling’s last season with the New York Yankees happened last year, and this year Sam Rosen has announced he will be stepping down from his call of the New York Rangers.

Given all the changes that have happened over the past couple of years, WFAN’s Gregg Giannotti shared his list of the five greatest New York sports play-by-play announcers of all time on today’s Boomer And Gio program.

“I was lucky enough to share a moment with this man in Green Bay with Boomer Esiason, and that is none other than Marv Albert,” explained Giannotti of his top selection. “I don’t know how that doesn’t make everybody’s list, but Marv is number one for obvious reasons.”

Albert called games for the New York Knicks from 1967 to 2004, while also lending his talents to the NBA on NBC and TNT Sports. Moreover, he was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2015 for his work both in the NBA, NCAA Basketball, and NFL Football.

Meanwhile, the rest of Giannotti’s top five began with Rosen landing at his number five slot, as Rosen concludes his final year on the call on MSG Networks.

“Number five, Sam Rosen,” said Giannotti. “I’m not a Rangers fan, but when he’s gone and someone else is going to be doing these games full time, it’s not going to sound right. Just his voice and the power play goal and everything, he’s got to be there.”

Next on the list, John Sterling landed at number four after calling New York Yankees baseball on the radio from 1989 to 2024, including an impressive 5,060 consecutive games from 1989 to 2019. Giannotti then pivoted to the current voice of the New York Knicks, Mike Breen, who he placed at number three.

“I love him calling a basketball game, calling Knicks games,” noted Giannotti. “He’s one of the best in the business, because he’s doing the NBA Finals. Just so smooth, so good. Just can’t say enough good things about Mike Breen.”

Coming in just behind Albert, Giannotti ranked New York Mets radio announcer Howie Rose at number two. In addition to his baseball work, Rose previously called games on the radio for the New York Rangers and Islanders as well. Furthermore, he served as WFAN’s original prime time host when the station switched to an all-sports format in 1987.

“Baseball on the radio is one of those things, you have to be the most skillful play-by-play guy to be able to do baseball on the radio,” said Giannotti. “Howie’s doing it, and his calls last year were tremendous during the playoffs.”

Ultimately, Giannotti said that the New York City market has had the blessing of so many great play-by-play voices that, with Rosen’s upcoming retirement, it made sense to look back and share who were the best of the best.

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.

Molly Cruz Adds 99.1 The Mix And Kiss 103.7 Milwaukee To Brand Manager Duties

BMM Staff
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Molly Cruz Adds 99.1 The Mix And Kiss 103.7 Milwaukee To Brand Manager Duties

B96 Chicago Brand Manager Molly Cruz is expanding her role to include Brand Manager for Hot AC 99.1 The Mix and Top 40 Kiss 103.7 in Milwaukee.

This marks a return to the market for Cruz, who previously served as Assistant Brand Manager for the two stations. She will succeed Brian Kelly, who stepped down this past February. (BMM 2/26)

“It’s a true honor to follow a legend like Brian Kelly. I spent over seven years learning from him, and that time had a huge impact on the programmer and leader that I’ve become,” said Cruz. “Now, I have the incredible opportunity to lead three powerhouse heritage brands in Chicago and Milwaukee. I’m excited, grateful, and ready to build on the strong foundation and take these iconic stations even further.” 

“We’re thrilled to have Molly back in Milwaukee. Her deep understanding of the market, proven leadership and passion for the CHR format make her an incredible asset to the team,” said Jason Bjorson, Senior Vice President and Market Manager Audacy Milwaukee and Madison. “We’re confident in her abilities to successfully lead these two iconic Milwaukee radio stations and morning shows to the next level for our listeners and advertising partners.” 

Congratulate her here.

Photo Courtesy Audacy

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.

Newsmax Inks Greta Van Susteren to Multi-Year Contract Extension

BNM Staff
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Newsmax Inks Greta Van Susteren to Multi-Year Contract Extension

Newsmax has announced it has signed anchor Greta Van Susteren to a new, multi-year contract extension to remain with the cable network.

Van Susteren will continue to host The Record, which premiered in 2022 and airs at 6 PM ET, as part of her extension working with the network.

The longtime cable news anchor joined Newsmax after previously working at CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC, as well as serving as a contributor to Voice of America and hosting a weekly show for local stations owned by Gray Media.

“The past three years have been an incredible experience enabling me to report from diverse global news centers ranging from the Ukraine to Israel, Colombia, and Ecuador,” says Van Susteren.  “I am grateful to Newsmax for the opportunity afforded me and look forward to continuing to deliver a straight and honest look at the day’s news for my audience.”

The news of a contract extension for Greta Van Susteren comes on the heels of a strong first-quarter ratings performance for the program and the network overall. During the first three months of 2025, The Record with Greta Van Susteren saw an 11% uptick in year-over-year growth. The network’s dayside lineup saw 27% increase during the window, while it grew 24% in total day and 20% in primetime.

“Greta is an internationally recognized journalist known for her ground-breaking reporting, insightful analysis and integrity,” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy said. “We’re honored to have her continue to serve as lead anchor with us.”

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.

Danny Myers New Afternoon Host At Q99 Roanoke VA

BMM Staff
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Danny Myers New Afternoon Host At Q99 Roanoke VA

Danny Myers is returning to Roanoke, VA, to host afternoons at AC Q99. Meyers was previously the longtime morning host at K92.3 at the Wheeler Media cluster. Myers will continue to host afternoons at Hot AC 97.9 WRMF West Palm Beach.

Myers said to WSLS TV, “It was incredibly hard to leave Roanoke-Lynchburg. But it was an easy decision to be back on the air in an area I love. It’s an honor to be joining the exceptional team at Q99. I’m excited to reconnect with the community and continue sharing great moments with listener friends.”   

Myers spent six years with iHeartMedia as G105 morning host in Raleigh-Durham and three years as Mornings and PD at MOViN 107.7 Norfolk, VA.

Other stops include WPLJ New York, WQSX Boston and WMWX Philadelphia.

Photo LinkedIn

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.

Ernie Johnson Honors ‘NBA on TNT’ Amid Final Regular-Season Doubleheader

BSM Staff
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Ernie Johnson Honors ‘NBA on TNT’ Amid Final Regular-Season Doubleheader

Warner Bros. Discovery is in the midst of its final season with U.S. live game broadcast rights for the National Basketball Association as the league prepares to enter into 11-year media rights deals with The Walt Disney Company, Comcast Corporation and Amazon. Ernie Johnson, who has served as the host of Inside the NBA since 1990, honored the legacy of the broadcast property during a speech to begin the final regular-season doubleheader on the network. Johnson, speaking amid a large crowd gathered on the company’s campus in the Atlanta metropolitan area, spoke as analysts Charles Barkley, Kenny “The Jet” Smith and Shaquille O’Neal were preparing to begin the program.

“I also remember being told back in those days, ‘Look, you haven’t joined a sports network. You’ve joined an entertainment network that does sports,’” Johnson recalled. “The result of that is that every night, we’ve had to prove ourselves – every night – because we were working with the heavyweights in sports. We’d work with the folks at ABC and NBC and CBS, and it was like, ‘Well, prove it,’ and we did, and we do every night. That’ll never change.”

Johnson discussed how gratifying it has been for the broadcast property to become synonymous with the league over the 36 years it has been a part of live game telecasts. Due to this though, he explained how it hurts knowing that it will be over following the NBA Playoffs, but he is cognizant of the fact that it is the business of basketball. Before taking the desk to begin the show and later moving back inside Studio J, Johnson ended his message with a sentiment of recognition and thanks.

“No time for bitterness,” Johnson said. “It is time for appreciation, it’s time for gratitude, and it has been my pleasure to be one of your co-workers, one of your teammates and a part of this family. Love you.”

The Inside the NBA studio program was recently nominated for two Sports Emmy Awards given by The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in the outstanding studio show categories recognizing weekly programs and those with limited runs. TNT Sports also revealed that it has created a special granting fans a behind-the-scenes look as the show completes its final season in the current iteration. The Walt Disney Company is sublicensing Inside the NBA starting next year as part of a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery.

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.

Luka Doncic Return to Dallas Averages 2.26 Million Viewers on ESPN

BSM Staff
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Luka Doncic Return to Dallas Averages 2.26 Million Viewers on ESPN

The much-anticipated NBA return of Luka Doncic to the floor at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, TX delivered a season-high for viewership on ESPN. Thursday’s figures revealed that the ESPN broadcast between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers averaged 2.26 million viewers on the network, the largest viewership average for ESPN excluding the Christmas holiday broadcasts.

Interestingly, the viewership total for the contest was just short of doubling the Mavericks game against the Miami Heat at this point last year, which had 1.23 million average viewers.

With Doncic’s return and a Lakers win, the game peaked at 2.79 million average viewers. However, that number trailed the viewership total for the game following the deal that sent Doncic to LA from Dallas. That February matchup drew an average of 2.5 million viewers on TNT. For reference, Doncic’s return to Dallas wasn’t even the highest-viewed game for the Lakers in the past week, as last Thursday’s game against the Golden State Warriors averaged 2.5 million viewers on TNT.

When compared to other NBA returns of the league’s top superstars, Doncic’s return to Dallas falls slightly short. According to Sports Media Watch, it trails Anthony Davis’ return to New Orleans after he joined the Lakers in 2018, which averaged 2.34 million viewers on ESPN. Moreover, looking even earlier than Davis’ return to New Orleans, Doncic’s teammate LeBron James returned to Cleveland after joining the Lakers in 2018 and drew an impressive average viewership of 3.7 million on ESPN.

Meanwhile, The Walt Disney Company is set to begin a new 11-year media rights contract with the NBA. ESPN/ABC will continue to televise games throughout the regular season and playoffs. Additionally, the company will broadcast 11 iterations of the NBA Finals, along with 10 Conference Finals series through 2035. Furthermore, the company acquired the rights to launch a new studio show that features whiparound coverage of the league on game nights.

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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