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VSiN Names Steve Cohen as Executive Vice President of Talent and Programming
Sports Betting Network VsiN has announced the appointment of long-time media industry executive Steve Cohen as the network’s Executive Vice President, Talent and Programming. Cohen spent the last 20 years as the Senior Vice President of Sports Programming at SiriusXM, where he built and oversaw their sports talk radio stations, including channels done in collaboration with all professional sports leagues. He will join VSiN leadership in working to rapidly expand sponsorship, distribution, and audience, while continuing to deliver the most credible content sports bettors can find anywhere.
“With more than 37 years under his belt, Steve is one of the most respected and innovative executives in the media business and was key in VSiN’s original launch on SiriusXM. Having launched more than a dozen sports talk radio stations, including SiriusXM NFL Radio and Mad Dog Sports Radio following a successful 17-year career in terrestrial radio, it’s hard to find a media leader with more experience giving an audience exactly what they’re looking for. He is a beloved manager with a track record of getting the best out of talent and a unique understanding of the importance of unbiased, credible information for sports bettors,” VSiN Founder Brian Musburger said.
With a focus on delivering superior sports betting programming, Cohen will identify new talent, strengthen the network’s lineup, and create additional content for broader distribution. The network will leverage his decades of experience across sports and media channels to support VSiN’s mission of delivering sports news, analysis and insights that bettors use to help make more informed betting decisions.
“Since I first met the team back in 2015, I’ve known that they were building something special. I’m excited to join a group that has always been at the forefront of the sports betting industry and look forward to the opportunity to leverage my experience creating content across every sport and medium to deliver an exceptional product that satisfies the content needs of all sports fans, especially those who wager on sports,” said Cohen.
Cohen joined SiriusXM in 2004 and, as Senior Vice President of Sports Programming, he built and oversaw the company’s sports news and talk programs on all of SiriusXM’s sports channels, including the hiring of talent, show development and production. He led the development and launch of first-of-their-kind dedicated league-partnered sports radio channels like SiriusXM NFL Radio, SiriusXM NBA Radio, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. In addition, Cohen and his team built and programmed SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio, SiriusXM College Sports Radio, SiriusXM FC, SiriusXM Fight Nation, the all-sports Mad Dog Sports Radio channel, as well as individual channels dedicated to the Power Five college conferences. He oversaw MLB Network Radio, SiriusXM NHL Network Radio and SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio channels since the merger of Sirius and XM in 2008. He was also responsible for overseeing all live play-by-play programming available to SiriusXM listeners, including NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL games, NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula One, golf, college sports, international soccer, horse racing and more.
Before joining SiriusXM, Cohen worked at WFAN Sports Radio in New York, where he served as the Executive Producer for both the New York Jets Radio Network and New York Giants Radio Network. He was among the pioneers of the fantasy sports industry when he founded the Pro Football News and Injury Report in the early 1990s and was inducted into the Fantasy Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. In addition to his hosting on WFAN, Sirius XM, Westwood One and Fox Sports Radio, he has written for several print and digital outlets, including ESPN.com, the New York Daily News, New Haven Register, Seattle Post-Intelligencer and the Newark Star-Ledger.
Recently Cohen was honored as the recipient of the 2024 Jeff Smulyan Award given by Barrett Media. Cohen oversaw programming that won multiple Cynopsis and Ad-Week Awards for Best Radio shows and podcasts and he and his team received the 2005 Eclipse Award.
A graduate of the University of Arizona, Cohen began his career in 1987 as a board operator and tape editor at WFAN.
MotorCity Casino Hotel has announced the promotion of Douglas Harrison to Director of Slots. Harrison brings over 23 years of technical and operational experience to his new role.
Since joining MotorCity in 2001, Harrison has been a key asset to the team, starting as a Technical Shift Manager. Over the years, he has excelled in various roles, including Slot Manager and Project Manager, successfully leading slot projects and developing strategies to optimize both operational efficiency and technical performance.
“I look forward to working with our talented team to enhance the guest experience and drive innovation within slot operations. I’m excited to introduce new ideas and further improve our slot offerings,” said Harrison.
“Douglas’ deep understanding of the Slot Operations and Slot Technical Departments positions him to lead every aspect of this critical area of the casino, ensuring sustained excellence and growth,” said Stacey Young, Senior Vice President of Casino Operations.
BetMGM, a leading sports betting and iGaming operator, is premiering its first online casino commercial featuring company brand ambassador Jamie Foxx. The 30-second spot entitled “Vegas Lights” showcases the relationship between the award-winning online casino and MGM Resorts International, with Foxx using the BetMGM mobile app to illuminate iconic Las Vegas experiences with each successive tap.
“BetMGM has been a phenomenal company to work with the past few years and creating this new commercial for their online casino was no exception. I love the way the spot turned out,” said Foxx.
“Vegas Lights” follows Foxx as he travels to several of MGM Resorts’ Las Vegas destinations including Bellagio, ARIA Resort & Casino and MGM Grand. The commercial emphasizes the connection between playing online and earning in-person rewards, such as show tickets and resort accommodations. Created by BetMGM’s award-winning agency of record, Highdive, the spot was directed by the award-winning duo, The Malloys, with Superprime, and shot with renowned cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth.
Casey Hurbis, Chief Marketing Officer, BetMGM, said: “Jamie Foxx is an extraordinary talent and a pivotal part of the way we showcase the best of BetMGM. This spot brilliantly captures BetMGM’s major differentiator of blending online and in-person casino experiences.”
Mark Gross, Highdive Co-Founder and Co-CCO, said: “No one lights up Vegas like BetMGM and Jamie Foxx. Our new ‘Vegas Lights’ spot showcases how BetMGM Casino, and its real-life connection to Vegas, can make every moment feel like a win.”
The commercial will air in the five markets across North America where BetMGM Casino currently operates including Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ontario.
AJ Mazza, Brand Director of BetMGM, said: “Jamie is a fantastic ambassador and opens up so many creative ways to unleash our brand. His energy and humor on set was irresistible, and it was an honor to collaborate with him.”
Valley Forge Casino Resort, a premier gaming and entertainment destination, announced the appointment of Martha Morales as its new Vice President and General Manager, pending regulatory approval.
Morales brings extensive leadership experience in the gaming and hospitality industries, most recently as Assistant General Manager of The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, a Boyd Gaming property. Prior to joining Boyd Gaming in 2023, she held various leadership roles at a major casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
Morales succeeds Ron Bailey, who has been appointed general manager of Boyd Gaming’s new casino resort development in Norfolk, Virginia.
“I am absolutely thrilled to join Valley Forge Casino Resort as General Manager and couldn’t be more excited for the opportunities ahead. The dedication and passion of this team are truly inspiring, and I look forward to working together to elevate the guest experience. Communication and collaboration are central to my leadership approach, and I’m committed to fostering an environment where every team member feels empowered to contribute and share their ideas,” said Morales.
A graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration-Hospitality Management, Morales also holds an MBA from the University of Southern California. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her leadership and industry contributions, including being named one of UNLV’s 50 Most Intriguing Alumni and a Las Vegas Inc. 40 Under 40 honoree. She was also honored by OutFront Media during Hispanic Heritage Month for her impact on the Latino community and was recently recognized as one of 2024’s Women Rising in Gaming by CDC Gaming and Global Gaming Women.
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