Netflix to Stream MLB Home Run Derby Live

Netflix will live-stream Major League Baseball’s T-Mobile Home Run Derby on Monday night from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, marking one of the streamer’s most ambitious moves yet into live sports and a significant test of how premium athletic events can thrive on a global digital platform.

The event, a highlight of MLB All-Star Week since 1985, will air exclusively on Netflix in the United States and across many international markets, beginning in prime time. Coverage shifts one of baseball’s most visually spectacular and fan-friendly contests away from traditional cable television, allowing viewers worldwide to watch power hitters compete in a made-for-TV format that has showcased legends like Aaron Judge, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Pete Alonso.

The broadcast is part of a broader multi-event rights agreement between MLB and Netflix. Under the deal, the streaming service has secured rights to several high-profile games and exhibitions, including Opening Night, the Home Run Derby, and the Field of Dreams game. 

The partnership signals Netflix’s evolution from producing sports documentaries to acquiring and distributing live competition, aiming to bolster subscriber engagement and differentiate itself in a crowded streaming landscape.

Industry analysts highlight the potential for substantial international audience growth. Live sports on major platforms often attract far more global viewers than conventional broadcasts, which could help MLB expand its reach in regions where baseball has traditionally lagged behind soccer, cricket, or basketball. By leveraging Netflix’s global footprint, the league hopes to convert casual international viewers into dedicated fans.

Netflix is scheduled to report its second-quarter earnings on July 16. The company’s stock (NFLX) has declined about 8% over the past six weeks amid broader market pressures on streaming valuations, making the successful execution of high-visibility live events like the Home Run Derby particularly important for investor sentiment.

Study: Listeners Comfortable With AI Voices

The research by Harker Bos Group’s Crowd React Media, conducted in May and June, tested 1,326 weekly radio listeners ages 18-45. Participants listened to station imaging and promotional spots recorded in both human and AI versions without knowing which they were hearing. 

Human and AI voices scored nearly identically across key attributes, with listeners showing only slight preference for disclosure of human talent.

In the blind test, just 59% of those who heard the professional human voice (by actor Neil Wilson) correctly identified it as human. Among those who heard the AI version, only 55% correctly identified it as synthetic — meaning nearly half mistook it for a real person.

Ratings for professionalism, authenticity, credibility, energy, and likability were statistically indistinguishable between the two. Overall appeal was essentially tied at 60% for human and 61% for AI on one of the spots. The only notable difference was humor, with 33% calling the human voice funny compared to 26% for AI.

After learning which version they heard, attitudes shifted more on principle than quality:

Netflix Looks to Lower Production Costs

Netflix is rapidly shifting toward lower-cost, YouTube-style content — including podcasts and short vertical videos — as it grapples with slowing user engagement and a sharp stock decline. This week, the streaming giant announced broad partnerships with major legacy media brands to bring bite-sized, low-effort videos (typically 3–20 minutes long) to its platform, covering topics like cooking, fashion, travel, news, lifestyle, and celebrity content. 

Partners include BuzzFeed Studios, Condé Nast, Hearst Magazines, Penske Media (home to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter), and People Inc. The videos begin rolling out in early August in markets such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Netflix faces pressure on multiple fronts. The company has seen a slowdown in platform engagement, with total viewing hours growing just 2% in the second half of 2025 while its user base expanded roughly 10%, implying an approximately 8% drop in daily engagement per subscriber. Its stock price has fallen about 40% since October amid these challenges and broader market concerns.

This pivot mirrors Netflix's earlier quick adaptations, such as its aggressive push into original programming and the introduction of ad-supported tiers. Now, the company's usual flood of film and TV announcements increasingly features creator deals and these lighter formats. Netflix has already struck video podcast agreements with outlets like Spotify/The Ringer, iHeartMedia, and Barstool Sports, and it continues experimenting with vertical video to boost mobile engagement.

Digital News Sites Suffer Traffic Declines in June

U.S. digital news outlets continued to lose ground in June, with traffic falling year-over-year at 90% of the nation’s top 50 news websites, according to new audience data.

Similarweb figures analyzed by Press Gazette show that only five of the 50 largest news brands posted any growth compared with June of the previous year — a sharp drop from 20% of sites showing gains in May. 

Among the hardest-hit were Newsweek and the Daily Mail, which saw some of the steepest declines. The data underscores persistent challenges for digital-first and legacy news organizations trying to maintain audiences in a fragmented media environment. 

Report: Rising Insurance Costs Plague Broadcasters

Rising insurance costs for property and liability coverage are placing growing financial pressure on U.S. radio and television broadcasters.

Broadcasters face a wide array of risks — including towers, antennas, buildings, broadcast equipment, vehicles, business interruption, special events and workers’ compensation — that have driven up premiums significantly in recent years. 

RadioWorld reports remote infrastructure is frequently exposed to severe weather such as ice storms, flooding and wildfires, while unique industry liabilities like defamation, copyright infringement, regulatory fines, vandalism and copper theft add further cost.

A stark example occurred in 2024 when copper thieves brought down the tower of Payne Media Group’s KITX(FM) in Hugo, Okla., taking the station off the air. President Will Payne said insurance covered only about 80% of the loss, after which the station faced policy cancellation and a doubled premium on renewal. Replacement gear purchases also required waiting up to 10 months for reimbursement.

Las Vegas Radio: Shawn Tempesta Lands Wake-Up Duty At KLUC

98.5 KLUC (KLUC-FM), an Audacy station in Las Vegas, has named Shawn Tempesta as its new morning show host. He will be on-air weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. PT.

“We are excited to welcome Shawn back to Audacy Las Vegas,” said JB King, Brand Manager, 98.5 KLUC. “Radio is at its best when it’s live, local and fueled by energy and genuine passion, and that’s Shawn.”

Shawn Tempesta

“To come back home to Audacy and get the keys to a Las Vegas radio institution is beyond humbling and exciting," said Tempesta. "I am so pumped to wake the valley up each morning!"

This is a homecoming to Audacy Las Vegas for Tempesta, who began his career at sister station, Mix 94.1 (KMXB-FM) and later hosted its afternoon drive for 11 years. With over a two-decade career in television and radio, he also made stops at Audacy’s WBMX-FM in Boston, as well as KVGS-FM and KKLZ-FM in Las Vegas, most notably creating the "Aimee + Shawn" morning show and shaping the brand for 102.7 VGS.

📻Listeners can tune in to 98.5 KLUC (KLUC-FM) on-air and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station via Facebook, Instagram and X.

John Lewis Named RVP For Cumulus In Florida

Cumulus Media announces that it has promoted John Lewis as Regional Vice President, expanding his oversight as RVP for Cumulus Media’s stations in Fort Walton Beach, FL, and Pensacola, FL. Lewis will continue to lead Cumulus Huntsville, AL, and Cumulus Chattanooga, TN, and the company’s vibrant audio brands across its radio and digital platforms

A 17-year veteran of the company, Lewis was promoted to Regional Vice President for Cumulus Huntsville and Cumulus Chattanooga in 2022. He joined Cumulus Media in 2009 and was previously Vice President/Regional Market Manager for Cumulus Chattanooga and Cumulus Macon, GA. He has also served Cumulus Media as Vice President/Market Manager for the company’s radio stations in Albany, NY, Pensacola, FL, Lexington, KY, and Memphis, TN.

John Lewis

Mark Sullivan, Senior Vice President, Operations, Cumulus Media, said: “John is a proven leader when it comes to building a positive culture with a foundation of measurable results. I am pleased that in his expanded role, he will share his deep experience and knowledge with our terrific teams in Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola.”

John Lewis commented: “I'm honored and excited to work with the Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach teams. Having spent a couple of years early in my career with Cumulus Pensacola, it's especially meaningful to return. With outstanding teams, great brands, and a strong track record of success, I look forward to building on that momentum and helping both markets reach their full potential.”

📻Cumulus Media owns and operates four stations in Fort Walton Beach, FL, including: 99 Rock/WKSM-FM (Rock); Coast 93.3/WNCV-FM (AC); Y105.5/WYZB-FM (Country); Z96/WZNS-FM (CHR).

📻Cumulus Pensacola’s five stations include: WCOA News Talk 104.9FM and 1370AM/WCOA-AM (News/Talk); Jet 100.7/WJTQ-FM (Classic Hits); The New Hot 94.1/WMEZ-FM (Rhythmic CHR); Magic 106.1/WRRX-FM (Urban AC); and 102.7 WXBM/WXBM-FM (Country).

Good Monday Morning! Here's The Pulse for July 13

Radio Broadcasting

Listeners Conformable w/AI Voices: The research by Harker Bos Group’s Crowd React Media, conducted in May and June, tested 1,326 weekly radio listeners ages 18-45. Participants listened to station imaging and promotional spots recorded in both human and AI versions without knowing which they were hearing. 

Insurances Costs Rising: Rising insurance costs for property and liability coverage are placing growing financial pressure on U.S. radio and television broadcasters. Broadcasters face a wide array of risks — including towers, antennas, buildings, broadcast equipment, vehicles, business interruption, special events and workers’ compensation — that have driven up premiums significantly in recent years. 

TWH Orders FBI Director to Personally Lead NYT Probe

The White House directed FBI Director Kash Patel to personally oversee a leak investigation tied to The New York Times' reporting on security issues with the new Air Force One, resulting in subpoenas issued to several Times reporters on Friday night. 

Patel canceled a planned trip to Chicago and spent roughly eight hours at the White House on Friday, directing the effort from there instead of FBI headquarters—a significant break from standard practice. 

He also briefed senior administration officials on the probe, according to people familiar with the matter. The investigation focuses on sources who disclosed sensitive details about the Qatari-gifted jet used as Air Force One, including a last-minute aircraft switch during a trip near a region of conflict due to security concerns, such as insufficient advanced anti-missile defenses. Subpoenas compelled reporters—including Julian E. Barnes, Eric Lipton, Tyler Pager, and Eric Schmitt—to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan as soon as July 15. 

Senator Graham Was Scheduled As Guest On Meet The Press

On Sunday, NBC’s Meet the Press, host Kristen Welker opened the show with a somber, personal acknowledgment of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sudden death the night before. Graham had been scheduled to appear that morning—what would have been his 64th time on the program. Instead, the broadcast pivoted to tributes and reflections on his life and legacy, with guests including President Donald Trump and others sharing memories. Welker began by addressing the audience and Graham’s family directly:

Trump remembers his last call with Lindsey Graham the night before his death: Full interview https://t.co/Grybj8NQmT via @nbcnews

— Tom Benson (@Tombenson1) July 12, 2026

She spoke warmly of Graham’s frequent presence on the show, his sharp wit, deep knowledge of foreign policy, and willingness to engage across the aisle. Welker noted that she had spoken with him multiple times in the days leading up to his death, including while he was traveling overseas. The tone was respectful and reflective, emphasizing his long service and personal relationships in Washington.

The episode featured extended interviews and segments remembering Graham:

States Expected To Block PSKY, WBD Deal

U.S. states are poised to sue this week to block Paramount's $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, citing concerns the merger would harm competition by combining two of Hollywood's major studios.California Attorney General Rob Bonta is leading a multi-state investigation into whether the deal violates U.S. antitrust laws. 

The proposed merger, which would unite Warner Bros. (home of "Harry Potter" and "Superman" films) with Paramount Pictures, has drawn sharp opposition from actors, writers, theater owners and others in Hollywood. Critics fear widespread job losses, fewer films released, reduced consumer choice and weakened competition in the industry.

Paramount has defended the combination as necessary to compete for audiences, talent and investment in a rapidly changing media landscape. CEO David Ellison has told theater owners the merged studios plan to release about 30 movies per year.

TV Ratings: Jimmy Kimmel Leads Broadcast Late-Night

Jimmy Kimmel Live! topped late-night ratings for the week of June 28, leading in both total viewers and the key 18-49 demographic despite airing reruns for the second straight week on ABC. 

According to Nielsen Live+3 data reported by LateNighter, the program averaged 1.45 million total viewers and 167,000 in the 18-49 demo at 11:35 p.m. That marked a 3% increase in total viewers and an 11% gain in the demo compared to the prior week. The strong rerun performance placed Jimmy Kimmel Live! ahead of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, which also aired repeats and averaged 1.17 million total viewers (down 21%) and 143,000 demo viewers (down 23%). Kimmel’s show similarly outperformed other competitors in the slot.

Other Late-Night Results

Radio History: July 13

➦In 1898…Guglielmo Marconi applied for a patent for his radio technology.

Marconi

Marconi, just twenty years old, began his first experiments working on his own with the help of his butler. In the summer of 1894, he built a storm alarm made up of a battery, a coherer, and an electric bell, which went off if there was lightning. Soon after he was able to make a bell ring on the other side of the room by pushing a telegraphic button on a bench.

One night in December, Guglielmo woke his mother up and invited her into his secret workshop and showed her the experiment he had created. The next day he also showed his work to his father, who, when he was certain there were no wires, gave his son all of the money he had in his wallet so Guglielmo could buy more materials.

In the summer of 1895 Marconi moved his experimentation outdoors.  After increasing the length of the transmitter and receiver antennas, arranging them vertically, and positioning the antenna so that it touched the ground, the range increased significantly.  Soon he was able to transmit signals over a hill, a distance of approximately 2.4 kilometres (1.5 mi).  By this point he concluded that with additional funding and research, a device could become capable of spanning greater distances and would prove valuable both commercially and militarily.

Marconi wrote to the Ministry of Post and Telegraphs, then under the direction of the honorable Pietro Lacava, explaining his wireless telegraph machine and asking for funding. He never received a response to his letter which was eventually dismissed by the Minister who wrote "to the Longara" on the document, referring to the insane asylum on Via della Lungara in Rome.