MLB Talking Media Rights With 3 Platforms

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred revealed the league is engaged in “three distinct sets of conversations” with potential media partners to address ESPN’s media rights, which expire after the 2025 season, according to SBJ’s Mike Mazzeo. 

The rights, covering “Sunday Night Baseball,” the Wild Card Round, and the Home Run Derby, are being negotiated for 2026-28, with Apple TV and NBC among the potential platforms. Manfred hopes to finalize the short-term national media situation before the July 15, 2025, All-Star Game in Atlanta.

Speaking at the MLB owners’ meetings in New York on June 4, 2025, Manfred clarified that each discussion involves different content packages, not a single package pitched to multiple parties. He declined to confirm whether ESPN could re-enter the talks. Emphasizing the importance of audience reach over revenue for this interim deal, Manfred noted it serves as a “bridge” to 2028, when all MLB national media rights deals expire.

Manfred expressed regret over an opt-out clause in the ESPN deal, part of earlier compromises. “Looking back, I wish we weren’t selling just three years, so we could align our rights to ’28,” he said, acknowledging the deal’s overall value but lamenting the timing misalignment.

NYC Radio: Audacy Likes Mike On WNEW-FM

Audacy has secured the future of one of its prominent afternoon radio personalities, announcing a multi-year contract extension with Mike Adam, the dynamic host of the afternoon drive show (3-7 p.m.) on hot AC station “New 102.7” WNEW in New York City. 

In addition to his flagship role on WNEW, Adam’s voice resonates across Audacy’s sister stations in other major markets. He hosts the afternoon drive slot on Baltimore’s “Mix 106.5” WWMX and Philadelphia’s “The New 96.5” WTDY, both hot AC stations, showcasing his versatility and broad appeal. This multi-market presence underscores Audacy’s confidence in Adam’s ability to connect with diverse audiences across different regions.

A proud Albanian-American, Mike Adam has built a reputation as a skilled interviewer, with a knack for eliciting candid and memorable conversations from some of the biggest names in entertainment and beyond. 

Mike Adam

Over the course of his career, he has sat down with an eclectic array of artists and public figures, including rock legends Aerosmith and Lenny Kravitz, pop superstars Dua Lipa and Selena Gomez, and even former President Barack Obama. Adam has highlighted interviews with Janelle Monáe, Kate Hudson, Billy Idol, and Halsey as among his most unforgettable, citing their authenticity and engaging personalities as standout moments. His ability to forge connections with such a wide range of guests has made his show a go-to destination for listeners eager for insider stories and behind-the-scenes insights.

Adam’s journey with WNEW began in September 2017 when he joined the station’s full-time lineup as the afternoon host, following a stint as a fill-in host. Prior to that, he honed his craft in the competitive New York and Philadelphia radio scenes, hosting weekends on New York’s former CHR station “92.3 Amp Radio” WBMP and anchoring afternoon drive on Philadelphia’s former CHR station WZMP. His experience across formats, from CHR to hot AC, has equipped him with a versatile on-air style that blends pop culture expertise with a relatable, conversational tone.

TV Ratings AMAs Reached 10M+ Unique Live Viewers Plus Encores

• The 2025 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS, hosted by Jennifer Lopez, reached over 10 million unique viewers across its CBS premiere (Memorial Day, Monday, May 26) and encores on MTV (May 27), CMT (May 28) and BET (May 29).
•  The CBS broadcast alone drew 5.2 million viewers in Nielsen Live+7, marking the show’s largest audience since 2019 and a +38% increase over its last live airing in 2022.  The 2025 AMAs was the #1 broadcast of the night. 
• The 2025 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS was the most-watched entertainment program on Memorial Day since 2021.
• In total on-demand music streams after the AMAs, Becky G’s “Que Haces,” released May 2, 2025, saw an increase of 70%, while Gwen Stefani’s “Swallow My Tears” from her album Bouquetreleased October 2024 jumped 87%, and Reneé Rapp’s new single “Leave Me Alone,” released on May 21, 2025, spiked 44% in music streams post-show.  [Source: Luminate, Notes: For the day following the show, the percent change was measured from 5/26 to 5/27]

The 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs), hosted by Jennifer Lopez on May 26, 2025, at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, achieved significant viewership and social media engagement. 

According to Nielsen Live+7 ratings, the CBS broadcast drew 5.2 million viewers, marking a 38% increase from the 3.53 million viewers of the last live broadcast in 2022 on ABC. This was the largest audience for the AMAs since 2019, when it attracted 6.68 million viewers. 

The show was the No. 1 broadcast of the night and saw growth in key demographics: up 91% among adults 18-34, 23% among adults 18-49, and 16% among adults 25-54 compared to 2022. Across its CBS premiere and encores on MTV, CMT, and BET, the AMAs reached over 10 million unique viewers.

However, compared to the 2024 AMAs 50th Anniversary Special, which aired on October 6 and averaged 6.1 million viewers (with a total reach of 12.9 million), the 2025 live broadcast saw a 22% decline in viewership based on live-plus-same-day figures, which reported 4.73 to 4.86 million viewers.

 

Note: The 2024 special benefited from an NFL doubleheader lead-in, contributing to its higher numbers.

On social media, the 2025 AMAs generated significant buzz, driving 9.2 billion potential impressions and 816,600 mentions across platforms, according to ListenFirst. The AMAs' official social media accounts on Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook garnered over 100 million video views within the first 24 hours and 160 million views in the first seven days. The Twitch live broadcast peaked at 205,500 viewers during YouTube star Kai Cenat’s appearance. 

Futuri Adds AI Video to SpotOn™

Futuri, the leader in AI-powered sales intelligence and content solutions for broadcasters, publishers, and media sales teams, announces the launch of SpotOn™ Video, a powerful new capability to create AI-generated video within Futuri’s proven instant AI spec spot platform. 

With just a business name and URL, ad executives can instantly create short-form, branded video spots in minutes.

Already trusted by thousands of media sellers, SpotOn acts as your personal copywriter, voice-over artist, and producer, instantly turning ideas into captivating audio commercials that wow advertisers and help close the deal faster. Now, with the addition of SpotOn Video, the platform brings audio and video together in a single seamless workflow for sales teams to deliver polished ad concepts instantly to their clients.

With just one click, SpotOn Video transforms a 15-second spec spot into a visually engaging video, complete with customizable branding, lifelike AI-generated video, call-to-action screens, and quick-edit prompts to refine it. Sales teams can now deliver agency-quality pitch material in minutes, not days, without needing video production skills or AI prompting expertise.

“SpotOn has generated over 100,000 audio spec spots since it launched in 2023. We’ve been on a mission to help ad execs bring creative ideas to life fast. Now, with SpotOn’s new video feature, we’re giving media sellers the ability to show what’s possible and unlock bigger opportunities faster across digital platforms.” – Daniel Anstandig, CEO of Futuri

Whether you're pitching a new prospect, building a social mockup, preparing a campaign preview, or expanding a campaign to include video, SpotOn Video makes it easy to show exactly what a brand’s message could look and sound like in the real world.

Early beta users already have access to Futuri’s SpotOn Video, and Futuri has a waitlist to onboard additional teams. Current SpotOn clients and Futuri partners can reserve early access and training resources through their Account Executive or Partner Success Manager. 

Join the waitlist.  More information about Futuri is available at www.FuturiMedia.com For more informationContact Mary Rogers | maryrogers@futurimedia.com | 877-221-7979 ext 450

Benztown Podcast: Candid Talk With Chris Forgy, Otto Padron

Benztown has released two new episodes of Chachi Loves Everybody, an original podcast hosted by Benztown President and audio brand builder Dave “Chachi” Denes. 

The episodes feature Chachi’s special guests, media titans Chris Forgy, President and CEO of Saga Communications, and Otto Padron, former President and CEO of Meruelo Media.

To listen to the new Chachi Loves Everybody podcast episodes: Click HERE.

On the first new episode Chachi talks to Chris Forgy, President and CEO of Saga Communications, about his successful radio career and gets his take on the future of audio. Forgy, who also serves on the boards of the NAB, the RAB, and the Broadcasters Foundation of America, shares his radio journey and the many lessons he learned along the way to becoming a Broadcasters Foundation of America Leadership Award honoree.

Forgy talks with Chachi and his listeners about:

• Growing up in Dayton, OH, and visiting the radio stations where his dad worked
• How mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth and the importance of support systems
• Why he tries to be unlike other CEOs and the value of authenticity in leadership- Getting started in sales and learning to handle rejection while shattering sales records
• Why protecting the brand is crucial in radio
• Becoming a GM and preaching deliberate and purposeful actions- Getting surprised with an offer to lead Saga and leading the company responsibly, while avoiding debt- Radio’s role in the digital landscape and his advice for the future

On the second new episode,  Chachi sits down with Otto Padron, former President and CEO of Meruelo Media, the fastest growing minority-owned media company in California. A visionary leader who has shaped the media industry across television, radio, and digital platforms. Padron is also an Army Ambassador and has programmed Telemundo and Univision.  

• Padron shares about Growing up in Cuba where his Dad was a chief engineer for Cuba's television network CMQ
• The heroic sacrifices his parents made to escape Cuba and bring family to Miami via Spain-
• His Uncle Omar’s influence on him and U.S. Hispanic media in the U.S.- Serving as an Airborne Ranger and then a Green Beret during Desert Storm
• What his military experience taught him about leadership
• How programming Telemundo taught him to be bold and take risks
• Leaving his head of programming role at Univision to be deployed in Iraq
• Saving KDAY and how he fell in love with radio

Radio History: June 5

➦In 1910...Radio, TV character actor Herb Vigran was born in Cincinnati.

He moved to Los Angeles in 1939, and with his unique voice was frequently cast in scores of network radio dramas and variety shows, performing with the likes of Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball and Jimmy Durante.

He appeared in more than 350 TV shows and big screen films, most notably in Dragnet, Gunsmoke and I Love Lucy.

He died of complications from cancer Nov. 29 1986 at age 76.

➦In 1956...Elvis Presley appeared on The Milton Berle Show, causing a national uproar with his hip-swiveling performance of "Hound Dog. When Presley appeared next on Ed Sullivan’s show on CBS TV, he was pictured only from the waist up.

➦In 1973…following news that the American Red Cross had run out of money as a result of aid efforts for recent natural disasters, Gordon Sinclair of CFRB in Toronto recorded what would become his most famous radio editorial, "The Americans." While paying tribute to American success, ingenuity, and generosity to people in need abroad, Sinclair decried that when America faced crisis itself, it often seemed to face that crisis alone.

At the time, Sinclair considered the piece to be nothing more than one of his usual items. But when U.S. News & World Report published a full transcript, the magazine was flooded with requests for copies. Radio station WWDC-AM in Washington, D.C., started playing a recording of Sinclair's commentary with "Bridge Over Troubled Water" playing in the background. Sinclair told the Star in November 1973 that he had received 8,000 letters about his commentary.

With the strong response generated by the editorial, a recording of Sinclair's commentary was sold as a single with all profits going to the American Red Cross. "The Americans (A Canadian's Opinion)" went to No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100, making the 73-year-old Sinclair the second-oldest living person ever to have a Billboard U.S. Top 40 hit.

A transcript of the commentary was also recorded by Byron MacGregor, news director of Windsor, Ontario, radio station CKLW-AM Windsor-Detroit, and it became an even bigger hit in the U.S., climbing to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Sinclair was said to be annoyed by MacGregor's recording, which was released as a single before Sinclair's authorized version. 

➦In 1977…DJ Charlie Van Dyke did his last show on 93KHJ, Los Angeles.

➦In 1982…DJ Cousin Brucie returned to New York City Radio on WCBS 101.1 FM.

Commissioner Nathan Simington Exiting The FCC This Week

FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington will resign at the end of this week, wrapping up his term that started in 2020. 

His departure intensifies the need for the Senate to confirm Olivia Trusty to fill a vacant seat, preserving the Republican majority on the Commission. Trusty's confirmation is still pending.

In a Wednesday statement, Simington described his FCC tenure as “the greatest honor of my professional life” and thanked colleagues, particularly FCC Chair Brendan Carr and the Commission staff, noting the agency is in capable hands under Carr’s leadership.

Simington highlighted his focus on protecting free expression, enhancing national security, and encouraging communications infrastructure investment. He expressed gratitude to his team, naming over a dozen staff members for their dedication.

He reaffirmed his commitment to limited government, free speech, and innovation, vowing to continue advocating for these principles in the private sector.

“I remain dedicated to shaping communications policy and advancing the values that have guided my public service,” Simington said.

Trump Formally Proposes $1.1B Claw Back For Public Media

With Elon Musk gone, the next act of streamlining government is now set to play out on Capitol Hill—and publicly funded media and foreign aid are first to be targeted.  President Donald Trump has formally proposed cutting $1.1 billion in federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports public media organizations like NPR and PBS, as part of a broader $9.4 billion rescission package. 

The amount represents roughly two years of CPB funding, which annually distributes about $535 million to public radio and TV stations and programming. The proposal, reported on April 14, 2025, aims to eliminate nearly all federal support for public broadcasting, except for approximately $100 million allocated for emergency communications.

Key Details:

Executive Order: On May 1, 2025, Trump signed an executive order directing the CPB to cease direct and indirect funding to NPR and PBS, citing alleged bias and "left-wing propaganda" in their reporting. The order instructs the CPB to revise its 2025 grant provisions to prohibit funding for these outlets and mandates federal agencies to terminate any related grants or contracts.

Claw Back Request: On Tuesday, Trump formally asked Congress to rescind the $1.1 billion, part of a package that also includes $8.3 billion in cuts to foreign aid through USAID. Congress has 45 days to approve the rescission with a simple majority, though Republican control of both chambers is slim, and some GOP lawmakers, like Sen. Lisa Murkowski, support retaining funding due to the value of local stations.

The Trump administration argues that NPR and PBS produce biased content, with claims of promoting "radical, woke propaganda." They assert that government funding for media is outdated given the diverse media landscape and undermines journalistic independence. The White House has cited specific coverage, like NPR’s reporting on transgender issues, as evidence of bias.

Impact on Public Broadcasting: Funding Breakdown: NPR receives about 1% of its budget directly from federal sources, with 8-10% of member stations’ budgets from CPB grants. PBS gets about 15% of its revenue from CPB, with local stations relying heavily on these funds, especially in rural areas. Loss of funding could lead to station closures, particularly in smaller markets, and reduced services like emergency alerts and educational programming.

Public Media Response: NPR and PBS, along with the CPB, have called the executive order “blatantly unlawful,” arguing it violates the Public Broadcasting Act and First Amendment protections. They emphasize the role of public media in providing trusted news and emergency services, with NPR noting that each federal dollar generates $7 in local funding. Both organizations are preparing legal challenges.
Public and Political Sentiment: 

A Pew Research poll showed 43% of U.S. adults favor continued funding for NPR and PBS, with 44% of Republicans supporting cuts and 69% of Democrats opposing them. While public broadcasting has historically enjoyed bipartisan support, some Republicans, like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, have long criticized it as a “left-wing echo chamber.”

TV Ratings: Fox News Wins Primetime

During the week of May 26 - June 1, FOX News Channel (FNC) averaged 2.7 million viewers in weekday primetime leading all broadcast networks including NBC (2.4 million viewers), CBS (2.4 million viewers) and ABC (2.3 million viewers). 

• In Monday - Sunday total day (6 AM-6 AM/ET):FNC posted 1.5 million viewers and 175,000 in the 25-54 demo leading all of cable. 
• In Monday-Sunday primetime (8-11 PM/ET), FNC averaged 2.3 million viewers and 240,000 in the 25-54 demo. 
• CNN saw its worst week of the year across both primetime and total day, collapsing to 374,000 viewers and 61,000 in the 25-54 demo in primetime and 308,000 viewers and 49,000 in the 25-54 demo across total day. 

FNC had its highest cable news share since inauguration week, commanding 68% of the cable news audience in primetime and 65% of the audience across total day. Notably, FNC commanded the top 100 cable news telecasts for the week.

For the week:

• The Five averaged 3.7 million viewers and 409,000 in the 25-54 demo, leading cable news in all categories.
• At 6 PM/ET, Special Report with Bret Baier drew 2.7 million viewers and 271,000 in the 25-54 demo. 
• The Ingraham Angle saw 2.5 million viewers and 276,000 in the 25-54 demo at 7 PM/ET.
• At 8 PM/ET, Jesse Watters Primetime delivered 3.2 million viewers and 356,000 in the 25-54 demo.
• At 9 PM/ET, Hannity posted 2.6 million viewers and 264,000 with A25-54. 
• At 11 PM/ET, FOX News @ Night secured 1.5 million viewers and 200,000 in the 25-54 demo. 

Notably, The Five and Jesse Watters Primetime both surpassed ABC’s Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (3.2 million viewers) and Jeopardy! Masters (2.9 million viewers) with viewers.

At 10 PM/ET, FNC’s late-night offering Gutfeld! secured 2.9 million viewers and 304,000 with A25-54. Gutfeld! once again topped the broadcast competition including ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! (1.6 million viewers; 263,000 A25-54), while the other late-night shows were off for the week.
FNC continued to see its daytime programs outpace the broadcast competition. 

• Outnumbered (weekdays, 12 PM/ET; 1,948,000 viewers)
• The Will Cain Show (weekdays, 4 PM/ET; 1,946,000 viewers)
• America’s Newsroom (weekdays, 9-11 AM/ET; 1,847,000 viewers)
• America Reports (weekdays, 1-3 PM/ET; 1,825,000 viewers)
• Harris Faulkner’s The Faulkner Focus (weekdays, 11 AM/ET; 1,797,000 viewers) all led NBC’s Today Third Hour (1,776,000 viewers), NBC’s Today with Jenna & Friends (1,128,00 viewers), ABC’s GMA3 (1,115,000 viewers) and NBC News Daily (1,078,000 viewers) with viewers.

On Saturday: FOX News Live (Saturday, 10 AM - 2 PM/ET) was the most-watched show of the day with over 1.3 million viewers and 160,000 in the 25-54 demo. My View with Lara Trump (Saturday, 9 PM/ET) was the number one show in primetime with 1.2 million viewers. From 6-8 PM/ET, The Big Weekend Show nabbed 1.3 million viewers and 128,000 in the 25-54 demo. FOX & Friends Weekend (weekends, 6-10 AM/ET) was the top show of the day in the 25-54 demo with 165,000 viewers.

On Sunday: Maria Bartiromo’s Sunday Morning Futures (Sunday, 10 AM/ET) was the top show of the weekend with 1.7 million viewers and 207,000 in the 25-54 demo. Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy (Sunday, 9 PM/ET) top show in primetime with 1.6 million viewers and 161,000 in the demo. At 8 PM/ET, Life, Liberty and Levin secured 1.4 million viewers and 137,000 in the 25-54 demo.

Source: Nielsen. Live+SD. Week of 5-26-25 ratings data. Average audience for cable news networks Monday-Sunday based on Total Day and Prime (6a-6a, 8P-11P), P2+, P25-54. Cable News/Broadcast Program averages exclude repeats and include the corresponding program name.

Atlanta TV: Gray TV Wants to Acquire CMG's WSB-TV

Atlanta-based Gray Media has expressed interest in acquiring WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News if its parent company, Cox Media Group (CMG), decides to sell. according to a story in the CMG-Owned Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 

Gray CEO Hilton Howell described the potential acquisition as “an option and a possibility” during an interview about WANF-TV, Gray’s CBS affiliate transitioning to an independent station this summer.

WSB-TV, Atlanta’s oldest broadcaster and a prominent ABC affiliate, is owned by CMG, which is controlled by Apollo Global Management Inc., with Cox Enterprises holding a minority stake.

Bloomberg reported in March that Apollo is considering selling CMG, which includes TV and radio stations across major U.S. markets. Apollo reportedly prefers a single buyer for most of CMG’s assets rather than dividing them. Gray and Nexstar Media Group are among potential buyers eyeing CMG’s TV stations.

Gray, a major U.S. broadcaster, operates in 113 markets, reaching about 37% of U.S. households, with Atlanta as its largest market. It owns WANF, PeachtreeTV, and Telemundo Atlanta. Adding WSB-TV, the city’s top-rated station, would strengthen Gray’s portfolio, especially as traditional TV viewership declines.

Any acquisition would require Federal Communications Commission approval. FCC rules prohibit one entity from owning two top-four ranked stations in the same market or stations with non-overlapping digital noise limited service contours, defined as areas where at least 50% of residents receive the signal most of the time.

ESPN's SAS Lands Two Shows On SiriusXM

During an appearance on “The Howard Stern Show” Wednesday morning, Stephen A. Smith announced that he will host and executive produce two new, original shows on SiriusXM beginning this September.

Smith’s new daily sports talk show will air weekdays on Mad Dog Sports Radio, delivering his signature energy and unfiltered takes on the biggest headlines in sports.

He will also create a weekly current events, pop culture, and social commentary-focused show that will debut on SiriusXM and be the first place for listeners to hear his sharp commentary and compelling discussions on everything beyond the world of sports — from politics and social issues to entertainment news, pop culture trends, and more.

“To say that I’m excited would be an understatement,” Smith said. “I’ve been on Mad Dog before, had the time of my life. So I’m loving the fact that I get to reunite with my guy, Mad Dog, on his turf. That, in itself, is a beautiful thing. But to then add a weekly show where I have a potent platform to discuss riveting subjects in the world of pop culture, politics, and social commentary… Let’s just say, it doesn’t get any better than that.”

He added, “September can’t come soon enough. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in radio… Especially going back and forth with the callers. Can’t wait to get restarted. Buckle up! I’m coming!”

Coalition Urges AM Radio Mandate Should Include Artist Royalties

A coalition of major automakers and tech companies has urged Congress to pair the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act with the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA). In a letter to the Senate and House Judiciary Committees, the group argues that mandating AM radio in vehicles without addressing performance royalties perpetuates an unfair system that denies artists compensation.

The AMFA would require terrestrial radio, which earned $13.6 billion in ad revenue last year, to pay artists for their music—unlike satellite radio and streaming services, which already compensate artists. The coalition emphasizes fairness, noting that terrestrial radio’s exemption creates a competitive disadvantage for some members and deprives artists of millions annually.

As the House Energy and Commerce Committee prepares to review the AM radio mandate, the coalition calls for swift action on AMFA to close this loophole, ensuring artists are paid for their work if AM radio is mandated.

FCC Proposes $416.1 Million Budget for FY 2026

On June 2, 2025, the FCC requested a $416.1 million budget for fiscal year 2026, effective October 1, 2025, a 6.6% increase from FY 2025. The hike aims to support the Broadband DATA Act, which mandates improved collection, verification, and reporting of broadband availability data to enhance high-speed connectivity nationwide.

Conversely, the FCC proposes a 3% cut to its Spectrum Auction Program, requesting $132 million. This program, which allocates federally owned spectrum to commercial bidders, lapsed in March 2023.

The FCC also plans significant staff reductions, continuing a trend from 2,122 full-time equivalents (FTEs) in 1995 to a projected 1,404 by 2026. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, noting the current 1,383 FTEs as of May 19, attributes the cuts to early retirements, deferred resignations, and natural turnover, aligning with a focus on digital infrastructure.

The FY 2026 budget targets four strategic goals: accelerating high-speed internet deployment, promoting national security and public safety, protecting consumers and free speech, and enhancing efficiency while reducing waste.

Next Global Radio Ideas Webinar Today June 4

Benztown, a global leader in radio imaging, voiceover, programming, podcasting and jingles, P1 Media Group, providing research, strategies and consulting to radio stations worldwide, Global Radio Ideas Facebook Group, and guests Brooke Fox and Jeffrey Dubow, hosts of “Brooke & Jeffrey in the Morning,” heard by millions of listeners every morning in over 50 U.S. markets. The 45-minute webinar will be hosted by Andreas Sannemann, CEO, Benztown, and Ken Benson, Partner, P1 Media Group.

In Wednesday’s webinar, Brooke and Jeffrey will discuss:

• How they keep their morning show different and fresh after many years on-air
• Their advice to content directors or programmers facing a need to restructure or rebrand a morning show without losing momentum – something they did successfully
• As a nationally syndicated morning show, what they think are the most significant missed opportunities for stations when it comes to localizing their show
• How the revenue generated from their podcasts rivals the radio show and how they got there
• What their daily production team and schedule look like, including: What gets done the day before, the day of, and how their workflows operate across the team
• Why the show’s work with charities is important, and how it contributes to the show
• What’s next for Brooke and Jeffrey

WHEN: Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 10:00am PST/1:00pm EST/7:00pm CET.

WHERE: Register NOW at https://event.webinarjam.com/ register/93/vom6vaqx.  Upon registering, you will receive a link with webinar information. 

 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Robby Gessel at Benztown at rg@benztown.com or +1 (818) 842-4600.

Philly Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic Launched New PM Drive Show

97.5 The Fanatic hosts Bill Colarulo and Ricky Bottalico

WPEN 97.5 The Fanatic is launching Unfiltered with Ricky Bo and Bill Colarulo, a new afternoon show starting Monday.

The show will hosted by Bill Colarulo, a former lawyer turned sports talker, and NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Ricky Bottalico. The show, featuring producer Sylvana Kelleher and regular guests like Amy Fadool Kane and Eagles insider Andrew DiCecco, replaces Tyrone Johnson. 

It will simulcast on NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Colarulo, who joined The Fanatic less than two years ago after starting at JAKIB Media, has been co-hosting with Mike Missanelli since August. “I learned a lot and had fun,” Colarulo said Tuesday. 

“I’m hoping to carry that over to the afternoon.” Program director Scott Masteller praised Colarulo’s chemistry with Bottalico and his ability to connect with listeners and guests, noting, “Bill is really good at making people feel comfortable.”

Producer Connor Thomas, previously filling in for afternoons, returns to mornings, while Missanelli continues hosting the midday show with Ray Dunne. The launch coincides with Colarulo’s birthday.

Younger Demos Spike For Dodgers-Yankees MLB

The 2024 Yankees-Dodgers World Series was the most-watched in the U.S. since 2017 and the highest ever in Japan, driven by stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. In the U.S., an average of 15.8 million viewers tuned in across FOX platforms, a 67% jump from the 2023 D-backs-Rangers series, with viewership among 18- to 34-year-olds surging 101%, the largest demographic increase.

In Japan, 12.1 million viewers watched on average despite 9 a.m. start times, with Game 1 (14.4 million) and Game 2 (15.9 million) setting records as the country’s most-watched MLB postseason games. Global viewership, including Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan, and the MLB app, exceeded 30 million, with some countries still reporting.

The Dodgers clinched their eighth World Series title with a 7-6 win in Game 5 on Wednesday night.

Apple TV Expected to Increase Number of MLB Games

MLB is still seeking a new media partner as ESPN enters its final year broadcasting Sunday Night Baseball, the Home Run Derby, and the wild card playoffs. 

According to Sports Business Journal’s Austin Karp, Apple, which streams Friday Night Baseball on Apple TV+, is a frontrunner to secure at least part of ESPN’s package, though no final decision has been made. NBC has also submitted a bid, but its interests may differ from Apple’s.

ESPN, paying MLB $550 million annually, opted to end its 35-year run after MLB declined to renegotiate terms, especially as Roku pays just $10 million yearly for Sunday morning games. MLB faces a challenge: Apple can afford a lucrative deal, but its subscription platform’s viewership is uncertain.

Partnering with a broadcaster could expand reach but reduce revenue. MLB aims to finalize a deal to carry it through 2028, when its agreements with TNT Sports and Fox Sports expire.

Taylor Swift’s Catalog Surges After Masters Purchase

Taylor Swift announced last Friday she had purchased the master recordings of her first six albums from Shamrock Capital, ending a high-profile dispute that began in 2019 when Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings acquired her catalog from Big Machine Records for approximately $330 million. 

The acquisition, which Swift said fulfilled her “greatest dream,” included her music videos, concert films, album art, photography, and unreleased songs, giving her full control over her work for the first time. Sources estimate Swift paid around $360 million, close to what Shamrock paid Braun in 2020, though earlier rumors of a $600 million to $1 billion price tag were inaccurate.

The announcement sparked a massive response from fans, driving significant gains across Swift’s catalog. According to preliminary Luminate data, U.S. activity for her entire catalog—spanning her Big Machine albums (Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, Reputation) and subsequent Republic Records releases—jumped to an average of nearly 35,000 album consumption units on May 30 and 31, a 55.1% to 72.3% increase from the prior 12-day average of 20,000 units.  Saturday’s numbers outpaced Friday’s as fan excitement grew.

Key Metrics:

• Album Downloads: The biggest surge came in digital album downloads, soaring from an average of just over 100 units daily to over 5,000, a 3,520.6% increase.
• Physical Albums: Sales averaged just over 4,000 copies over the two days, up 153.2% from under 2,000 in the prior period.
• Streaming: Swift’s catalog averaged 32.91 million streams on May 30–31, a 35.6% rise from the 24.26 million daily average in the preceding 12 days. Spotify streams for her first six albums saw dramatic spikes, with Speak Now up 430%, Taylor Swift up 220%, Reputation up 175%, Fearless up 160%, Red up 150%, and 1989 up 110%. Notably, “Better Than Revenge” from Speak Now surged over 600% to 313,208 streams on May 31.
• Radio Airplay: Radio spins increased by 2.2%, adding to the roughly 3,000 daily plays her catalog received before the announcement.

The original Big Machine albums led the gains, though her re-recorded “Taylor’s Version” albums and newer releases like Lover, Folklore, Evermore, Midnights, and The Tortured Poets Department also saw boosts.