NJ Radio: Bill Spadea Returns to WKXW

Bill Spadea, a conservative radio talk show host, returned to New Jersey 101.5 (WKXW) on Thursday, following his loss in the Republican gubernatorial primary on June 10, 2025. 

Spadea, who hosted the morning drive-time show for nearly a decade before stepping down on January 30, 2025, to focus on his campaign, was defeated by Jack Ciattarelli, securing about 22% of the vote and finishing second in a crowded field. 

His return to the airwaves was anticipated, with speculation about his comeback circulating as early as August 13, 2025, though his station’s parent company, Townsquare Media, had not officially confirmed it until later.

Spadea’s campaign was marked by his alignment with former President Donald Trump and populist messaging, focusing on issues like affordability, public safety, and government efficiency. 

However, his rivalry with Ciattarelli was contentious, particularly over their competing claims to the MAGA movement’s support, with Ciattarelli ultimately securing Trump’s endorsement. Since his loss, Spadea has notably refrained from endorsing Ciattarelli, who is now facing Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill in the November 2025 general election. 

Spadea’s return to radio is framed as a continuation of his advocacy for “common-sense solutions,” emphasizing the voices of small business owners, parents, and first responders. He stated, “Our show has always been about the listeners, and I’m ready to keep amplifying the voices of small business owners, parents, teachers, first responders, nurses, and everyone else committed to digging in and staying in New Jersey.”

There were unconfirmed rumors in June 2025 that Spadea might relocate to Tennessee for a radio opportunity, but these did not materialize, as he resumed his role at NJ 101.5. His return has sparked discussion about whether he will use his platform to critique Ciattarelli or focus on broader conservative causes, given his history of outspoken commentary and his campaign’s criticism of “establishment Republicans.”

Buffalo Radio: NFL Bills Spencer Brown Joins 97 Rock

Cumulus Media announces that 97 Rock/WGRF-FM morning team Shredd and Ragan will go inside the huddle with Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Spencer Brown in an exciting new weekly segment of the popular Classic Rock station’s morning program, the Shredd & Ragan Show, debuting Friday, September 5, 2025, at 8:00am.

Brown will join Shredd and Ragan on-air every Friday morning at 8:00am during the regular football season and will bring fans exclusive insights from inside the locker room, break down the Bills’ matchups, and share his unique perspective of life in the NFL.

“We’re fired up to have Spencer join the show,” said Tom Ragan, Co-Host, the Shredd & Ragan Show. “Linemen are the heart and soul of any football team, and the Bills have some of the best. Can’t wait for the season to start!”

Joe Russo, Program Director, 97 Rock, commented: “It will be amazing to hear Spencer’s insights from inside the huddle. Spencer is a dominant athlete and a leader on this team. Bills fans won’t get this must-hear content anywhere else, so we know they are going to love what they hear on Friday mornings.”

Known for his grit and personality off the field, Brown has become a fan favorite in Buffalo. Now, listeners can catch him live on-air as he teams up with Shredd and Ragan to talk all things Bills. Join 97 Rock and Spencer Brown starting September 5th.

📻For more information or to stream 97 Rock, visit: https://www.97rock.com/.

NBC To Air The Tonight Show After Select SNF Games

NBC is banking on the NFL’s massive audience to boost The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon this fall. The network announced on August 28, 2025, that the late-night program, typically airing weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET, will have four special Sunday night episodes following Sunday Night Football and local newscasts during the first three months of the football season.

Two of these episodes will air after games featuring the Kansas City Chiefs, the NFL’s most-watched team, fueled by their recent Super Bowl success and tight end Travis Kelce’s engagement to pop star Taylor Swift.  “We’re hoping to capture some of those viewers for our show,” said Katie Hockmeyer, NBC’s executive vice president of late-night programming. 

The Chiefs face the New York Giants on September 21 and the Houston Texans on December 7.The other two episodes are also poised for big audiences. On October 26, Fallon will follow a Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game, potentially pitting Aaron Rodgers against his former team. On November 16, the show will air after a Detroit Lions vs. Philadelphia Eagles matchup, featuring the defending Super Bowl champions.

NBC tested this strategy last year, with a single post-Sunday Night Football episode of The Tonight Show delivering its highest viewership of the season. The move comes as linear TV struggles against streaming, but Sunday Night Football remains a ratings juggernaut, averaging over 20 million viewers per game and holding the title of TV’s top-rated program for 14 straight years.

Last Hurrah of Summer: Labor Day Travel

Whether it’s an Alaska cruise, Central Florida theme park, or Broadway show, many Americans are squeezing in one final trip before summer ends. According to AAA booking data, Seattle, Orlando, and New York are the three most popular cities over Labor Day weekend.

The good news for domestic travelers is that flights, hotels, and car rentals are cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year. 

“Labor Day caps off summer travel and provides one final holiday weekend before the fall routine begins,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “The top cities on the domestic and international lists are Seattle and Vancouver, both port cities for Alaska cruises. While some people are going on dream cruises or European vacations, many travelers are staying closer to home and taking road trips to nearby beaches or national parks.” 

Domestic roundtrip flights are 6% cheaper compared to last year, averaging $720 a ticket. Many travelers are flying into Orlando, New York, Denver, and Atlanta for sightseeing, attractions, and events. AAA booking data also shows hotel rates are 11% lower and car rental costs are 3% cheaper compared to last Labor Day. AAA car rental partner Hertz says the top destinations based on advanced bookings are Orlando, Denver, Boston, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, with the busiest day to pick up rental cars expected to be Friday, August 29.  

Summer gas prices have remained low, matching summer averages in 2021. Last year, the national average for a gallon of regular was $3.33 on Labor Day. Barring a tropical storm or hurricane affecting Gulf Coast refineries, gas prices should stay below what they were last year. So far in 2025, gas prices have seen few fluctuations thanks to steady crude oil prices. 

The cost to travel internationally this Labor Day weekend is a mixed bag – while hotels are 2% cheaper, airfare is 8% more expensive. European cities make up most of AAA’s top international destinations, but the number one spot belongs to Vancouver. Alaska cruises are wrapping up a strong season, as AAA projected at the beginning of the year with the 2025 Cruise Forecast.

Taylor Swift’s New Album To Be Available On Cassette

When Taylor Swift releases her new album, Life of a Showgirl, in October 2025, fans can enjoy it on streaming platforms, vinyl, and, surprisingly, cassette tapes. 

Once a dominant music format in the 1980s, cassettes were overtaken by CDs and later eclipsed by streaming. However, the format is seeing a revival, with 436,400 cassettes sold in the U.S. in 2023, per Luminate data—a significant jump from 80,720 in 2015, though far below the 440 million sold in the 1980s.

This resurgence, less pronounced than vinyl’s, is driven by nostalgia and a desire for tangible music experiences, according to Charlie Kaplan of Tapehead City. “Tapes offer a hands-on, imperfect listening experience—flipping the tape, admiring the artwork, engaging more senses,” Kaplan told CNN.

Superfans, who make up 18% of U.S. music listeners and engage with artists through streaming, concerts, and physical purchases, are fueling this trend. These fans, mostly Gen Z, spend $39 monthly on music, 105% more than average, with top 2025 cassette sales led by artists like Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Charli XCX. Nine percent of Gen Z listeners bought a cassette in the past year, per Luminate.

AJC To Move To Fully Digital Publication

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) announced Thursday that it will cease its print edition by year’s end, fully transitioning to a digital-first model to adapt to the evolving media landscape. 

The 157-year-old newspaper has spent the last three years transforming into a modern media company, investing millions in enhanced reporting, technology, and digital platforms, with a goal of reaching 500,000 paid digital subscribers.

Publisher and President Andrew Morse emphasized that the AJC will continue delivering high-quality journalism daily through its website, AJC.com, mobile app, videos, podcasts, and other digital channels.

In a letter to subscribers, Morse reaffirmed the AJC’s commitment to holding the powerful accountable, informing and entertaining Georgians, and serving advertisers. “We will begin the new year as a fully digital organization, dedicated to being the most essential and engaging news source for Atlanta, Georgia, and the South,” he wrote.

Morse highlighted recent investments in journalism, including expanded business and politics teams, new bureaus, and advancements in product development, analytics, and data science. This shift, he said, will allow the AJC to focus all resources on producing impactful, world-class journalism tailored for digital audiences.

Radio History: Aug 29

➦In 1892...Broadcast Pioneer Harry Read was born in Seattle, WA.. He was a co-founder  of KXL Portland OR. Read was Secretary-Treasurer of KXL Broadcasters and, General Manager & Chief Technician KXL Radio.  Today KXL is known as KXTG 750 AM and airs a sports talk format.  It's sister-FM station uses the KXL calls and airs news/talk. Both are now owned by Alpha Media Group.

➦In1914...Radio actor Willard Waterman (right) was born in Madison Wisconsin (Died at age 80 - February 2, 1995).  He was versatile supporting actor. He replaced Harold Peary, on "The Great Gildersleeve," radio program after Peary was unable to convince sponsor and show owner Kraft Cheese to allow him an ownership stake in the show.

He began his radio career at WIBA in Madison, singing in a quartet that performed "musical interludes between programs." and moved to NBC in Chicago in early 1936.

➦In 1936...ABC news anchor Peter Jennings was born in Toronto (Died was age 68 - August 7, 2005). The son of a CBC newsman/exec he had his own half-hour Saturday radio program at age 9.  Before his 30th birthday he anchored briefly for CTV and ABC TV, but was considered too young with insufficient gravitas.  After much reporting from world hot spots he became sole anchor of ABC’s World News Tonight in 1983, an assignment he continued until just before his death from lung cancer.

➦In 1943...summertime replacement show 'Paul Whiteman Presents' was heard on NBC radio for the last time. The hostess was Dinah Shore, and Whiteman led a 35-piece orchestra. His well-known theme song was Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.

➦In 1946...Bwana Johnny (left) was born in Oregon (Died at age 59 in 2005).  Bwana, whose real name was Richard Johnson, had been a popular disc jockey at the old 1260/KYA back in the late 1960s. Most recently, he had worked in production with Jones Radio Networks in Seattle before his illness forced him into a care facility.

Before coming to the Bay Area in 1969, "Beautiful Bwana" worked at KLOG/Kelso, Wash., WUBE/Cincinnati and KJR/Seattle.

He moved on to WWDJ/New York as music director and afternoon-drive jock (1971-1973) and spun records for a year at WFUN/Miami before returning to his hometown, Portland, Ore., as "Crazy Dick Simms" on the Rose City's legendary KISN in 1975.

➦In 1957...The ABC radio network purchased KQV 1410 AM in August 29, 1957 for $700,000. ABC hired two executives from Storz Broadcasting to launch the top 40 format in Pittsburgh  They hired Dale Maudy who had been an executive engineer for the Stroz group and Ralph Beaudin, who had been a KOWH sales executive, as the KQV general manager.

The station was one of the oldest in the U-S and went silent on December 31, 2017 For more on KQV: Click Here.

➦In 1966...The Beatles played what would prove to be their last concert before a paying audience at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, to a sold-out crowd of 25,000. John and Paul, knowing what the fans do not (that this will be the last concert ever) brought cameras on stage and took pictures between songs. (Their lone remaining public performance was the 1969 rooftop appearance in London).

R.I.P.: Gary Burbank, Iconic WLW Radio Personality

Gary Burbank (1941-2025)

Gary Burbank, born Billy Purser in July 1941 in Memphis, Tennessee, passed away Thursday, at the age of 84 in Louisville, Kentucky, after a long illness. 

His death was confirmed by longtime WLW host Bill Cunningham and Burbank’s nonprofit, Play It Forward. Burbank was a beloved radio personality who entertained listeners for over 25 years on Cincinnati’s 700 WLW, from June 15, 1981, until his retirement on December 21, 2007. 

Known for his comedic genius and iconic characters like Earl Pitts, Gilbert Gnarley, and Deuteronomy Skaggs, he created a unique "Theater of the Mind" that captivated audiences across the Ohio Valley. His Earl Pitts commentaries, syndicated nationally on about 200 stations, continued until January 1, 2021, when he retired the character due to age and health issues, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) diagnosed before 2007.

Burbank’s career began in the 1960s under names like Bill Williams and Johnny Apollo, but he gained fame at Louisville’s WAKY in 1968, where he adopted the name Gary Burbank, inspired by Gary Owens of Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In. 

His WLW show, often broadcast from his Florida home in later years, featured memorable segments like Sports or Consequences, where callers quizzed the hosts, and was regionally syndicated to stations like WTVN in Columbus and WAKR in Akron. 

The Gary Burbank Tribute on Vimeo https://t.co/mWM2wF2JH4

— Bill Cunningham (@Willie700WLW) August 28, 2025

Burbank won back-to-back Marconi Awards for Large Market Personality of the Year in 1990 and 1991 and was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2012.

Beyond radio, Burbank was an accomplished musician, performing with Memphis-based band The Marquis and later founding Play It Forward in Cincinnati to support independent musicians with medical costs. 

He collaborated with artists like Sonny Moorman and Tim Goshorn and even owned Burbank’s BBQ restaurants in Cincinnati. Survived by his wife Carol, daughter Tracy, son Shawn, and five granddaughters, Burbank’s legacy lives on through his innovative comedy and contributions to radio and music. Social media posts from fans and colleagues, including Cunningham’s tribute calling him “the most talented radio host of all time,” reflect the profound impact he had.

Doris Burke Out As ESPN’s Top NBA Analyst

ESPN’s NBA Finals broadcast team for the 2026 season, as announced, will not include Doris Burke, who was demoted from the lead team after the 2025 NBA Finals. The new primary broadcast team consists of Mike Breen, Tim Legler, and Richard Jefferson, with Lisa Salters continuing as the sideline reporter.

• Mike Breen: A Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame broadcaster, Breen remains the lead play-by-play announcer, known for his iconic “Bang!” calls. He has been a staple of ESPN’s NBA coverage for nearly two decades and is under a long-term contract, ensuring his continued presence.

• 

  Doris Burke

  Tim Legler: Promoted to the No. 1 team for the 2026 NBA Finals, Legler is a respected ESPN analyst known for his thoughtful and measured basketball analysis. A former NBA player, he has been with ESPN for nearly two decades, gaining prominence on the No. 2 broadcast crew and as a regular on shows like SportsCenter. His elevation reflects ESPN’s confidence in his ability to enhance the booth’s chemistry.
• Richard Jefferson: A 17-year NBA veteran, Jefferson joined the lead broadcast team for the 2025 NBA Finals and has since signed a new contract with ESPN. His role expanded from studio work on NBA Today and NBA Countdown to game commentary in the 2023-24 season. Despite interest from Amazon Prime Video, ESPN secured him for the Finals, valuing his energetic and player-perspective commentary.
• Lisa Salters: Continuing as the sideline reporter, Salters provides on-the-ground insights and interviews, complementing the in-booth team. She has been part of ESPN’s NBA Finals coverage for multiple seasons.

This new trio follows a period of flux for ESPN’s NBA Finals booth. After the 2023 layoffs of Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson, ESPN cycled through analysts like Doc Rivers and JJ Redick before settling on Burke and Jefferson alongside Breen for 2025. The decision to replace Burke with Legler stems from reported chemistry issues in the three-person booth and ESPN’s consideration of a potentially more effective two- or three-person format.

Atlanta Journal Constitution Ending Print

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) will cease its print edition at the end of 2025, transitioning to a fully digital model starting January 1, 2026. 

The decision, announced today, reflects the newspaper’s strategy to adapt to evolving media trends and consumer preferences, prioritizing digital platforms to reach a broader audience. 

The AJC, which traces its roots to 1868, has been under the leadership of President and Publisher Andrew Morse since January 2023. Morse initially delayed plans to end print in June 2023, citing an insufficiently robust digital product. By 2025, with digital subscriptions projected to grow 35% and digital revenue up 22% from 2023 to 2025, the transition was deemed viable.

The move aligns with a $150 million investment from Cox Enterprises, the AJC’s parent company, to transform the outlet into a modern media company. 

This includes expanding digital offerings on AJC.com, mobile apps, video, and podcasts, while maintaining an e-paper for subscribers. 

The AJC aims to reach 500,000 paid digital subscribers by 2026, up from approximately 100,000 in 2025. 

The shift also involves opening new bureaus in Athens, Macon, and Savannah to broaden coverage across Georgia and the Southeast.Editor-in-Chief Leroy Chapman Jr. emphasized that the mission to deliver impactful journalism remains unchanged, with a focus on sustainability and reaching communities digitally. 

Cox Enterprises supports this transition, noting reduced environmental impact (e.g., less paper, plastic, and carbon use) and a commitment to long-term success. The final print edition is set for December 31, 2025, marking the end of a 157-year print legacy. No immediate layoffs were announced, and the AJC has added nearly 100 staff since Morse’s arrival, though some buyouts and layoffs occurred.

Howard Stern, SiriusXM: New Deal or Not?

A Long Island Newsday article dives into speculation about Howard Stern’s future with SiriusXM as his five-year, $500 million contract nears its expiration at the end of 2025. The piece explores rumors sparked by an August 5 report from The Sun (U.K.), which claimed, based on an anonymous source, that SiriusXM would not renew Stern’s contract, suggesting the company would offer a deal he was unlikely to accept due to financial disagreements. This report fueled widespread speculation, amplified by other tabloids, about whether "The Howard Stern Show," a fixture on SiriusXM since 2006, might be canceled after nearly two decades.

The article highlights the recurring nature of such rumors, noting they often surface during Stern’s contract negotiations, potentially even fanned by his own team to generate buzz. For instance, a 2020 rumor cited by former Stern intern Steve Grillo suggested Stern was "pretty much done," yet he renewed his contract that year. The Newsday piece points out that Stern, then 71, was on a month-long summer hiatus and planned to address these rumors on his return to air on September 2, 2025, as teased in a dramatic promo posted by "The Howard Stern Show" on X, promising to answer “all the questions” and reveal “all the truths.”

Several factors fuel the speculation. Financially, Stern’s reported $100 million annual salary is a significant expense for SiriusXM, especially as the company faces stagnant subscriber growth (around 33 million) and competition from podcasts and platforms like Spotify. Some sources suggest SiriusXM might not justify the cost, especially given Stern’s reported drop in daily listeners to 125,000 from a peak of 20 million during his terrestrial radio days. However, a conflicting report claimed Stern had already signed a new “monster payday” deal, dismissing cancellation rumors as “pure theater.”

The article also touches on Stern’s evolving public persona and political stances, which have stirred controversy. 

SiriusXM’s strategy has been diversifying its talent roster with high-profile podcast deals, like those for “SmartLess” and “Call Her Daddy,” to prepare for a post-Stern era. Even if Stern retires, SiriusXM retains rights to his extensive audio and video archive until 2027, ensuring his content remains available. The article suggests that while Stern’s departure would impact subscribers—estimated in 2020 to potentially cost SiriusXM 2.7 million listeners—the company is poised to pivot.

We should know the future on Tuesday, Sept 2, according to a previous reports quoting Stern.

Here's How Media Covered Minneapolis Tragedy

The Minneapolis shooting at Annunciation Catholic School on August 27, 2025, received extensive coverage across major broadcast TV networks and cable news channels, reflecting the gravity of the tragedy that killed two children and injured 17 others during a school Mass. 

📺Broadcast TV Networks

➤CBS (WCCO-TV): CBS provided immediate and comprehensive coverage through its Minneapolis affiliate, WCCO-TV. A CBS News Special Report aired at 10:30 a.m. EDT, anchored by Nate Burleson and Kelly O’Grady, followed by live coverage of the first press conference at 11:55 a.m., anchored by John Dickerson. WCCO reported on the shooter, a 23-year-old who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and highlighted community responses, including vigils and a local restaurant offering free meals to support those affected. The network also featured personal stories, such as fifth-grader Weston Halsne’s account of his friend Victor shielding him during the shooting. Coverage emphasized the emotional toll, with interviews like that of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Senator Amy Klobuchar discussing the tragedy and gun control.

➤NBC (KARE 11): NBC aired a Special Report at 11:55 a.m. EDT, anchored by Joe Fryer, who noted a personal connection as his mother-in-law had worked at the school. NBC News Now began coverage at 10:30 a.m., simulcasting KARE 11’s live stream. KARE 11 identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman and reported on community vigils, including one organized by Moms Demand Action. The station provided live updates and streaming via KARE 11+, emphasizing local perspectives, such as a state lawmaker’s tribute and the FBI’s investigation into the shooting as a potential act of domestic terrorism and hate crime.

➤ABC (KSTP-TV): ABC’s Minneapolis affiliate, KSTP-TV (5 Eyewitness News), confirmed the shooter’s identity as Robin Westman and provided updates on the investigation. Coverage included details about the community’s response, such as vigils and statements from officials like Governor Tim Walz, who ordered flags at half-staff. KSTP focused on the local impact, including the strain on Hennepin Healthcare, which treated multiple victims.

➤FOX (KMSP-TV): FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul reported the shooting at 10:57 a.m. EDT, noting that the suspect fired through church windows and died by suicide. The station covered official responses, including President Trump’s order to lower flags and Governor Walz’s statements. FOX News Channel also provided live updates, including a press conference and a prayer vigil, emphasizing the tragedy’s impact on the Twin Cities.

📺Cable News Channels

➤Fox News Breaking News and Initial Coverage: Fox News broke the news at 10:36 a.m. EDT during America’s Newsroom, with correspondents Brooke Taylor and Nate Foy dispatched to Minneapolis for live reporting. The network provided frequent updates, including a post at 12:06 p.m. EDT confirming the shooter used multiple weapons (a rifle, shotgun, and pistol) and fired “dozens of rounds.”

Details and Investigation: Fox News identified the shooter as Robin (or Robert) Westman, a 23-year-old who died by suicide, and noted the shooter’s use of three legally purchased firearms. The network reported Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara’s description of the act as a “deliberate act of violence” and “absolutely incomprehensible,” emphasizing the targeting of children during Mass.

Focus on Community and Political Context: Fox News highlighted emotional scenes, such as a mother hugging her son post-shooting, and covered official responses, including President Trump’s order to fly flags at half-staff and Governor Tim Walz’s statement on the tragedy. The network also noted the shooting’s timing during the Democratic National Committee’s summer meeting in Minneapolis, with commentary from Byron York on IngrahamAngle criticizing DNC’s Trump-bashing amid the tragedy.

Additional Angles: Fox News reported on a YouTube video allegedly posted by Westman, mentioning Second Amendment activist Brandon Herrera, who condemned the “hateful and senseless act.” The network also covered Democratic calls for gun control, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and others advocating for stricter laws, framing it as a political response to the tragedy.

➤CNN Breaking News and Deployment: CNN broke the news at 10:22 a.m. EDT during The Situation Room with anchor Pamela Brown. The network sent correspondents Whitney Wild, Shimon Prokupecz, Alicia Wallace, Rob Kuznia, and Arit John to Minneapolis, with CNN Newsource deploying additional reporters (Leigh Waldman, Joel Williams, Ivan Rodriguez, Tessa Carletta).

Investigative Focus: CNN extensively covered the shooter’s identity, Robin Westman, a 2017 Annunciation graduate, and analyzed online content, including YouTube videos showing a “manifesto,” weapons with slurs and political messages (e.g., “kill Donald Trump”), and a notebook with Cyrillic script and references to past school shooters. The network reported the FBI’s investigation into the shooting as domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.

Community Impact: CNN highlighted the tight-knit community’s response, interviewing Annunciation alum Kailee Poling, who spoke tearfully at a Richfield vigil about the tragedy’s impact. The network noted the shooting as the 44th school shooting in the U.S. in 2025 and contextualized it within a wave of Minnesota gun violence, including three other deadly shootings since Tuesday.

Official Responses: CNN covered Governor Walz’s statement calling the shooting a “horrific act of violence” and Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara’s remarks on the suspect’s death by self-inflicted gunshot. The network also reported Senator Amy Klobuchar’s emotional account of a staffer’s children being at the school during the attack.

➤MSNBC Breaking News and Anchoring: MSNBC broke the news at 10:23 a.m. EDT with Ana Cabrera at the anchor desk. The network interviewed Senator Amy Klobuchar, who was in Minneapolis and shared a personal story about a staffer’s three children at the school, describing the call as “one of the most upsetting things I’ve ever heard.”

Gun Control Advocacy: MSNBC’s coverage included commentary from Jen Psaki, who criticized President Trump’s D.C. anti-crime policies and dismissed the efficacy of prayer, stating, “Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers do not end school shootings.” Her remarks, referencing Trump’s National Guard deployment in D.C., sparked controversy, with critics like Virginia House of Delegates candidate Karen Hamilton defending prayer’s role in grief. Psaki’s comments framed the shooting within a broader push for gun control, aligning with Democratic leaders like Klobuchar, who called for stronger background checks and assault weapon bans.

Community and Political Context: MSNBC reported on the Moms Demand Action vigil at Lynnhurst Park, attended by thousands, and highlighted statements from officials like Mayor Jacob Frey and Representative Ilhan Omar. The network noted the Democratic National Committee’s abrupt end to its Minneapolis meeting after the shooting, with DNC chair Ken Martin urging medical professionals to assist.

Analysis Timeliness and Depth: CNN was the fastest to break the news (10:22 a.m. EDT), followed by MSNBC (10:23 a.m.) and Fox News (10:36 a.m.). CNN provided the most investigative depth, particularly on Westman’s social media and motives, while Fox News emphasized breaking updates and political context, and MSNBC focused on personal stories and gun control advocacy.

Political Framing: Fox News highlighted Democratic criticism of Trump’s policies, with commentary framing the DNC’s response as opportunistic. MSNBC leaned into gun control advocacy, with Psaki’s remarks drawing significant attention. CNN took a more neutral investigative approach, focusing on the shooter’s background and community impact.

Context of Gun Violence: CNN and MSNBC explicitly linked the shooting to broader Minnesota gun violence and national school shooting trends, with CNN noting it as the 44th in 2025. Fox News mentioned the local violence wave but focused more on the specific incident and official responses.

📻Local Radio Stations Coverage:

➤WCCO Radio (830 AM): As a leading news station in the Twin Cities, WCCO Radio is known for its comprehensive breaking news coverage. WCCO reported on the shooting, including survivor accounts, such as fifth-grader Weston Halsne describing how his friend saved him by shielding him during the attack. WCCO provided live updates, interviews with officials like Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, and community reactions. Their coverage included details about the suspect, Robin Westman, and the ongoing investigation, as well as community vigils held in response.

➤KFAN (100.3 FM): While primarily a sports station, KFAN canceled its live broadcast from the Minnesota State Fair out of respect for the tragedy, indicating sensitivity to the event.

NPR Names New Host For All Things Considered

Scott Detrow was named a full-time weekday host of NPR’s All Things Considered, starting September 29, 2025, following the departure of Ari Shapiro, who hosted the show for nearly a decade. Detrow, who has been a weekend host for All Things Considered since May 2023, will also continue co-hosting NPR’s daily news podcast Consider This.

Detrow joined NPR in 2015, initially covering the White House, Congress, and two presidential campaigns for the Washington Desk, while co-hosting The NPR Politics Podcast for seven years. 

His career in public radio began at Fordham University’s WFUV, followed by roles as a statehouse reporter for NPR member stations WITF in Pennsylvania and KQED in California. His reporting on Pennsylvania’s hydraulic fracturing boom for NPR’s StateImpact project earned a DuPont-Columbia Silver Baton and a national Edward R. Murrow Award in 2013. 

Scott Detrow

Notably, his first full-time job after college was hosting the local All Things Considered at WITF, making his new role a full-circle moment.

Detrow has led coverage of major events, including the 2024 attempted assassination of President Trump, which earned him another Edward R. Murrow Award for Breaking News, and the 2025 papal conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV, inspiring a biography project with NPR’s Daniel Burke set for publication in fall 2026. He has also introduced segments like Reporter’s Notebook, offering behind-the-scenes looks at NPR’s journalism. 

Detrow expressed excitement about the role, emphasizing the show’s legacy and his pride in transitioning from a local NPR member station to a national platform. All Things Considered, NPR’s longest-running show since 1971, airs weekdays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET, combining news, commentary, interviews, and special features.

S-F Radio: NFL 49ers Name Broadcast Team

The San Francisco 49ers have introduced a new team of radio broadcasters to temporarily replace Greg Papa, the iconic Voice of the 49ers, as he prioritizes his health. The group, consisting of Guy Haberman, Justin Allegri, Troy Clardy, Carlos Ramirez, and Jack Smith, will serve as play-by-play announcers alongside color analyst Tim Ryan for the season.

Guy Haberman takes on the primary fill-in role while continuing as a Big Ten Network play-by-play commentator. With over a decade of experience, Haberman has worked with Pac-12 Network, FOX Sports, NBC/Peacock, NBC Sports Bay Area, and 95.7 The Game.

Justin Allegri brings 13 years of Bay Area football broadcasting experience, currently serving as the voice of Cal Golden Bears football and basketball. He previously covered San José State University sports for 11 years, has been a San Jose Giants radio voice since 2015, and contributed to MLB The Show since 2014.

Greg Papa

Troy Clardy, known for calling Stanford Cardinal football and basketball since 2023, is in his third season with Westwood One’s NCAA football coverage. He has also covered the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, multiple NFL games for Compass Media Networks, and 10 sports for Pac-12 Network, including Christian McCaffrey’s first 49ers start in 2022.

Carlos Ramirez, a 23-year veteran in sports media, hosts 49ers Pre- and Postgame Live on NBC Sports Bay Area and covers the Giants and A’s. He has called NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, international soccer, and Olympic events in English and Spanish, and was part of the 49ers Spanish Radio Network from 2019-2021.

Jack Smith, a San Jose native and 2025 USC graduate, earned the 2025 Jim Nantz Award for outstanding collegiate sports broadcasting. He called USC sports across multiple disciplines and currently serves as a Media Relations Assistant and radio voice for the Fredericksburg Nationals, a Single-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals.

Greg Papa, a Bay Area broadcasting legend with over 30 years of experience, is a three-time California Sportscaster of the Year and 2018 Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame inductee. Since joining the 49ers in 2019, he became the first local broadcaster to work with all five major Bay Area professional teams. Tim Ryan, a former NFL player, complements Papa with his experience as a Westwood One analyst, former NFL on FOX analyst (2002-2013), and SiriusXM NFL Radio host (2004-2013).

Catch the 49ers radio broadcasts featuring Haberman, Allegri, Clardy, Ramirez, and Smith on KSAN 107.7 The Bone and KSFO 810 AM, with games also airing on KNBR 104.5 FM/680 AM and KNBR.com starting in October.