The Sports Media Podcast

On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp shares what could be next for Main Street Sports Group as the RSN saga continues. Plus, the path to Super Bowl LX is set and we put a bow on NFL regular season viewership trends. Plus, Indiana's trouncing of Alabama did not slow down the Rose Bowl juggernaut, and Karp shares why the audience numbers will only continue to grow as the College Football Playoffs roll on. And speaking of the CFP, ESPN’s Bryan Jaroch drops in to share what they have planned for the semifinals.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David Karnofsky, a media analyst at JPMorgan, and Naveen Sarma from S&P Global dive into the dynamic world of sports media. They assess the NBA's standout Christmas offerings compared to the NFL and the implications of a potential DAZN-FanDuel partnership. The analysts discuss YouTube's deal with Disney and impact on streaming platforms, while evaluating the challenges faced by traditional cable in light of cord-cutting trends. They also explore the significance of the NFL for broadcasters and ESPN's new app driving deeper fan engagement.

On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp brings home the last pod of 2025 with an eye on Christmas Day. First, Kay Adams joins to talk about the second iteration of Netflix’s NFL doubleheader and how she sees her role in sports after departing NFL Network. Then, longtime ESPN play-by-play announcer Mark Jones dishes on the five-pack of Christmas NBA games and whether the Pop-Tarts Bowl has the best postseason trophy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp brings in colleague Ben Portnoy to look at the future where Army-Navy falls on the calendar. The duo also discuss the Heisman Trophy telecast, TNT’s CFP future and predictions for the first round this weekend. Finally, in Karp’s Corner, a look a new “MNF” alt-cast, WBD rejecting David Ellison’s hostile offer, DAZN looking for U.S. inroads with FanDuel Sports Networks and Netflix expanding its video podcast offerings with Barstool Sports. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's pod, host and SBJ media reporter Austin Karp breaks down the viewership around the conference championships and college football’s regular season. Then, fresh off hosting duties for the FIFA World Cup Draw and Big Ten title game, Fox Sports’ Rob Stone joins the show. Finally, in Karp’s Corner, a look at the World Cup Draw audience, reviews of a couple of NFL alt-casts and media’s impact on the SBJ Influence 125 list.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Josh Carpenter, SBJ media and golf reporter, discusses NFL's record-setting Thanksgiving viewership and Netflix's strategic signing of Elle Duncan. Neema Ghazi, executive at Joe Hand Promotions, sheds light on the evolving landscape of out-of-home sports TV distribution. The duo dives into the implications of MLS's Messi effect on viewership, the stakes in college football conference championships, and how streaming is reshaping commercial distribution for bars and restaurants. A lively chat on the nexus of sports media and audience engagement!

On this week’s pod, host and SBJ media writer Austin Karp is joined by LionTree Managing Director Alex Michael for a deep dive into investment opportunities in youth sports, as well as trends in sports tech and international growth.  Karp also reflects on the YouTubeTV-Disney carriage deal and Nielsen’s big data impact on sports as part of what he is most thankful for this year. Finally,  a look into the future of TNT Sports and consolidation in sports media.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week’s pod, host and SBJ media writer Austin Karp is joined by Prime Video’s head of sports content Charlie Nieman, who dishes on the start to the company’s NBA deal, another strong year for “TNF” and a big Black Friday coming. Plus, Karp gets what MLB’s media rights will look like from 2026-28, the details on the carriage deal that brought ESPN and YouTube TV back together, the enthusiasm of NBC Sports’ John Fanta and what might become of the NFL international game package.1:08 MLB's Media deal4:45 YOUTUBE TV and Disney deal update7:50 Charlie Neiman Interview16:14 Karp's Corner Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week’s pod, host and SBJ media writer Austin Karp is joined by Tim Pernetti, commissioner of the American Conference, as they dig into the latest with college football. Plus, Karp gets into whether anything is close with the YouTube TV-ESPN standoff, the end of the ESPN Bet experiment and Unrivaled adding another night of action.1:27 Disney vs YouTube TV5:42 Tim Pernetti Interview26:00 Karp's Corner Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week’s pod, host and SBJ media writer Austin Karp is joined by Bjorn Werner, a former Colts defensive end (now a popular football podcaster in his native Germany) ahead of the team’s home game in Berlin. Also, longtime consultant Doug Perlman of Sports Media Advisors joins the pod to talk about the biggest things going on at his shop. Plus, Karp breaks down the latest around the YouTube TV-ESPN battle, MLB’s big sendoff with World Series numbers and NASCAR’s audience drop in Year 1 of a new media deal.1:00 YouTube TV & Disney Dispute4:14 MLB Recap5:59 Bjorn Werner Interview21:37 Doug Perlman Interview28:00 Karp's Corner Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.