Trump Address: Fox News Channel Was Must-Watch

According to early data from Nielsen Media Research, FOX News Channel’s coverage of PresidentDonald Trump’s address to the nation Wednesday from 9-9:30 PM/ET delivered over 4.3 million viewers leading CBS (3.9 million viewers), ABC (3.4 million viewers) and NBC 2.3 million viewers. FOX Network’s coverage of the address anchored by Bret Baier delivered 2 million viewers.

Hannity averaged 3.8 million viewers and 420,000 in the 25-54 demo for the full 9 PM/ET hour demolishing the competition and increasing his December 2025 average by 76% with viewers and 164% in the 25-54 demo.

Throughout primetime (8-11 PM/ET), FNC nabbed 3.2 million viewers and 332,000 in the 25-54 demo commanding nearly 60% of the cable news share.

ACCORDING TO EARLY DATA FROM NIELSEN MEDIA RESEARCH

9-9:30 PM/ET

1. FNC: 4.3 million viewers; 497,000 A25-54
2. CBS: 3.9 million viewers; 834,000 A25-54
3. ABC: 3.4 million viewers; 686,000 A25-54
4. NBC: 2.3 million viewers; 476,000 A25-54
5. FOX: 2 million viewers; 522,000 A25-54
6. MS NOW: 1.5 million viewers; 114,000 A25-54
7. CNN: 1.1 million viewers; 203,000 A25-54

Fox News Channel Maintains YtoY Dominance

Fox News Channel maintained its position as the dominant cable news network throughout this period, consistently outperforming MSNBC and CNN combined in most months. However, ratings followed a clear trend tied to the 2024 presidential election cycle:

• Peak in late 2024: Viewership surged during the election buildup and November 2024, driven by intense political coverage.
• Post-election decline in 2025: A typical "cooldown" occurred after the election, with month-to-month and year-over-year drops across the industry. Fox News experienced declines but retained the largest audience share (often 60-65%), benefiting from audience shifts away from competitors.
• Stabilization and strength in non-election year: By mid-to-late 2025, ratings leveled off at high levels for a non-election period, with Fox posting its best-ever non-election year averages in many metrics.

Key focus: Primetime (8-11 PM ET) total viewers (in millions, Nielsen data via Adweek and other sources). Adults 25-54 demo followed similar patterns but with steeper percentage drops industry-wide.

Rating Graphics Courtesy of RoadMN

Overall 2025 Trend: Full-year primetime average: 

• ~2.72 million (up ~14% from 2024 in some reports, reflecting strong retention despite post-election dips).
• Fox often beat broadcast networks (e.g., topping NBC/CBS in weekday primetime) and commanded 63-65% cable news share in many months.
• Top shows like The Five (frequently 3.5-4+ million), Jesse Watters Primetime, and Gutfeld! drove gains.

This pattern reflects broader cable news dynamics: election years boost viewership, followed by normalization. Fox News mitigated losses better than rivals, solidifying its lead. Data sourced from Nielsen via Adweek, Fox press releases, and trade reports.

NAB Keeps After FCC To Relax Local Ownership Limits

The NAB has urged the FCC to eliminate or significantly relax longstanding local broadcast ownership limits, with a strong focus on deregulating radio rules, in comments filed this week as part of the agency's delayed 2022 Quadrennial Regulatory Review.

NAB argues that decades-old local radio ownership caps are outdated in a media landscape dominated by unregulated digital audio giants like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and SiriusXM, which face no similar restrictions and can serve national audiences without limits.

The group proposes shifting from rigid pre-transaction ownership caps to case-by-case FCC reviews of individual deals, insisting this would preserve Commission oversight while allowing evaluations tailored to local market conditions and public interest.

NAB contends that current rules force broadcasters into inefficient structures, ultimately harming listeners by curbing investment, innovation, and diverse local programming. It cites a BIA Advisory Services report showing that loosening caps could boost programming diversity, mirroring gains seen after Congress relaxed rules in the 1996 Telecommunications Act.

The filing also calls for modernizing the remaining local television ownership restriction—which generally caps station groups at two full-power TV stations per market—arguing that TV broadcasters face comparable competitive pressures from digital platforms.

Westwood One Unveils Sports Talk Line-Up

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One today unveiled its new Sports Talk lineup, debuting Monday, December 29, 2025. This bold expansion delivers nonstop sports conversation, expert analysis, and fan engagement across all major platforms.

The new programming lineup features a mix of established voices and rising stars, giving listeners access to compelling content around the clock. The Jim Rome Show will remain in its prime 3 pm – 6 pm ET weekday slot, anchoring afternoons with his legendary style.

Previously announced, Drake C. Toll will lead Morning Drive from 6 am – 9 am ET, bringing energy and perspective to kick off the day. 

Joining the weekday roster are longtime Chicago sports radio hosts Chris Bleck & Adam Abdalla from Noon – 3 pm ET. Bleck & Abdalla’s 20-year friendship provides a natural chemistry that produces fearless takes with fun fan interaction. Westwood One Sports Night from 11 pm – 3 am ET will be hosted by Lynnell Willingham and Josh Graham. Lynnell brings undeniable energy and a tell-it-to-your-face mentality, creating spirited, opinion-packed conversations. Josh provides an intellectual point of view fueled by an insatiable curiosity that creates sports takes you won’t hear anywhere else.

As previously announced; Nick Kostos You Better You Bet will air from 9am - Noon ET and BetMGM Tonight will air live from 6 pm – 11pm ET.

“With our partners at Audacy, we’ve assembled a group of diverse and passionate sports voices committed to covering the biggest sports stories with opinions, expert analysis, and fan interaction,” said Bruce Gilbert, SVP Sports | Content & Audience. 

“This lineup will highlight the biggest stories and provide timely information that is fresh, fun, and fan focused.”

Westwood One Sports Programming Lineup:

• 6am - 9am:  Drake C. Toll
• 9am – Noon:     “You Better You Bet” with Nick Kostos
• Noon - 3pm:  Bleck & Abdalla
• 3pm - 6pm:  The Jim Rome Show
• 6pm - 11pm:  “BetMGM Tonight” with Brad Evans and Pat Boyle
• 11pm - 3am:  WWO Sports Tonight: Lynnell Willingham ; Mon-Wed; Josh Graham: Wed-Fri

The weekend lineup will be announced soon, promising even more ways for listeners to stay connected to the sports world.

Milwaukee Radio: Civic Media to Acquire WNOV AM/FM

Civic Media, a Wisconsin-based radio network, has agreed to acquire heritage Urban News/Talk station WNOV (860 AM/106.5 FM) in Milwaukee and the weekly Milwaukee Courier newspaper, both longstanding institutions serving the city's Black community. 

The company will assume responsibility for station programming and newspaper publication starting January 1.

Dr. Robert "Biko" Baker, a civic engagement leader, political commentator, and former editor of The Source, has been named Operations Manager for both properties. He will oversee investments in journalism and programming focused on Milwaukee's Black community.The deal ends more than five decades of family ownership by Courier Communications Corporation, following the recent passing of founder Dr. Jerrel Jones. Current owner Mary Ellen Jones will serve as a consultant during the transition, while her brother Jerrel Jones will assist with the newspaper's digital transformation."My parents built The Milwaukee Courier and WNOV to give Milwaukee's Black community a voice when few existed," Mary Ellen Jones said. 

"Passing that responsibility forward was not taken lightly. Civic Media is committed to honoring that legacy while investing in the future of trusted media."

Civic Media CEO Sage Weil described the acquisition as "both an opportunity and a responsibility." He emphasized stewarding the institutions' deep roots by modernizing operations, expanding digital reach, and maintaining service with integrity. Founded in 2022 as a public benefit corporation, Civic Media aims to support democracy through local journalism.

Civic Media Regional President Chris Moreau pledged resources to support WNOV and the Courier across broadcast, digital, and print platforms.

WNOV became Wisconsin's first Black-owned radio station in 1972 under Dr. Jerrel Jones and was among a handful nationwide at the time. The Milwaukee Courier, published continuously since 1964, has long been a trusted voice in the Black community.

NYC Radio: For WNYM, The Answer Is Joe Piscopo

Salem Media, Inc. announces a new two-year extension of Joe Piscopo’s talent agreement, securing the legendary talk host as morning-drive anchor on New York City’s AM 970 The Answer (WNYM) through the end of 2028.

Salem Media is proud to reaffirm its commitment to iconic broadcaster and Saturday Night Live superstar Joe Piscopo, extending his weekday morning show, The Joe Piscopo Show, for an additional two years. The new agreement ensures Piscopo will continue waking up the New York metro area weekdays from 6–10AM for the next three years.

Joe Piscopo’s career may have begun with his breakout years on NBC’s Saturday Night Live (1980–84), but he has since become one of New York’s most recognizable voices in news-talk radio. Since joining AM 970 The Answer in 2014, Piscopo has built a devoted audience through his unique blend of news, interviews, entertainment, and cultural commentary.

“Joe Piscopo remains one of the most dynamic talents in New York radio,” said Laura Sheaffer, General Manager, AM 970 The Answer & Salem Media of New York. “His authenticity and connection with our listeners are extraordinary, and extending his presence on AM 970 The Answer was an easy decision. Joe continues to raise the bar every single morning.”

Joe Piscopo shared, “Our audience relies on us for honesty, respect, and straight talk about the issues that matter, and that trust means the world to me. And let’s be honest — only in New York do you wake up at 3AM and call it show business! I’m honored, grateful, and excited to keep sharing these mornings with such an amazing audience.”

The Joe Piscopo Show airs live on AM 970 The Answer weekdays 6–10AM. The program is produced by Joe Sibilia, with Al Gattullo on news, Debbie DuHaime on traffic, and Stephen Parr with weather.

In addition to his work anchoring morning drive, Piscopo remains active across film, comedy, live performance, and charitable initiatives—all while being a devoted father and family man.

Indy Radio: Cumulus Stations Raise $1,055,850+ for Charities

Cumulus Media's radio stations in Indianapolis raised a combined $1,055,853 in December 2025 through charitable radiothons benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Make-A-Wish.

The bulk of the funds came from sister station 99.5 WZPL, which collected $824,983 during its 36-hour Make-A-Wish Request-A-Thon on December 5-6.

Meanwhile, 95.5 WFMS raised $151,814 and 104.5 WJJK raised $79,056 (plus an additional $681 from a silent auction) through their respective St. Jude Radiothons held December 11-12.

The 95.5 WFMS St. Jude Country Cares Radiothon and 104.5 WJJK St. Jude Rocks Radiothon featured 25 hours of live programming per station dedicated to fighting childhood cancer.

Thanks to these efforts, St. Jude ensures no family ever receives a bill for treatment, allowing them to focus solely on their child's recovery.

WJJK's silent auction included items such as a Fender guitar autographed by the band Styx and co-hosting opportunities with morning host Greg Browning and midday personality Steve “Stu” Stuart.

Additionally, WFMS hosted its annual Stuff the Studio Toy Drive on December 6-7, collecting toys at Walmart locations in Greenwood and Fishers, IN, to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis.

The events were broadcast from Cumulus Media Indianapolis at 6810 North Shadeland Ave.

Listeners can still donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.wfms.com/stjude or www.1045wjjk.com/stjude.

Las Vegas Radio: 98.5 KLUC Raises $792K+ During Toy Drive

98.5 KLUC-FM, an Audacy station in Las Vegas, collected $792,430 in cash and gift cards, 40 Coca-Cola trucks full of toys and 6,792 bikes during its 27th annual KLUC Chet Buchanan Show Toy Drive presented by Venetian Resort Las Vegas. All donations will benefit HELP of Southern Nevada.

“The overwhelming success of the 27th annual KLUC Chet Buchanan Show Toy Drive is a powerful testament to the incredible generosity and heart of the Las Vegas community,” said Gina Massenzi, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Las Vegas. “Chet’s dedication is nothing short of inspirational, setting a gold standard for commitment every single year. We are immensely proud to be the rallying point for our neighbors as they transform the holidays for thousands of families.”

The toy drive ran from December 4 to 15 at NV Energy, where host Chet Buchanan lived and did live broadcasts on the “Big Twenty-Foot Scaffold.” Buchanan had guests come on air and encouraged listeners to donate, including members from the Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and Aces, as well as Nick Carter from The Backstreet Boys and MLB Hall of Famer Greg Maddux.

Since the toy drive’s inception, Buchanan has lived on the scaffold for 300 days, almost 10 months of his life through some of the worst wind, rain and snow. His commitment to staying up there is to encourage locals in the community to donate their time and money at the toy drive distribution.

“For our families, the Toy Drive is pure magic. Parents share that it lifts a weight off their shoulders, allowing them to focus on the innocence and excitement of their children during the holidays,” said Fuilala Riley, President and CEO, HELP of Southern Nevada. “Instead of worrying about what they cannot provide, they get to experience the joy of watching their kids feel celebrated and cared for. And for anyone who has ever been a parent, you know these moments are truly irreplaceable.”

In addition to serving thousands of clients, HELP of Southern Nevada coordinates the distribution of toys and bikes to numerous charities throughout Southern Nevada. Their mission is to help people help themselves.

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

Radio History: Dec 19

➦In 1932... the British Broadcasting Corp began transmitting overseas via shortwave radio; it soon became the highly regarded BBC World Service.

➦In 1944...ABC took over ownership of WJZ 770 AM.  The WJZ call sign was used in NYC from 1921 to 1953.

➦In 1956...Elvis Presley scored six different songs on Billboard's listing of the most popular songs of the day  They were: Don't Be Cruel, Hound Dog, Blue Moon, Love Me Tender, Anyway You Want Me and Love Me.   That was the most singles ever charted at same time.  That record lasted until The Beatles came along with seven singles 1964.

➦In 1958...the first radio broadcast from space occurred when President Dwight D. Eisenhower said "To all mankind, America's wish for Peace on Earth & Good Will to Men Everywhere".

The following words were President Eisenhower’s full remarks to the country:

"This is the President of the United States speaking. Through the marvels of scientific advance, my voice is coming to you from a satellite circling in outer space. My message is a simple one. Though this unique means, I convey to you and all mankind, America’s wish for peace on earth and good will to men everywhere."

 ➦In 1980...Mutual Broadcasting cancels Sears Radio Theater

➦In 1985...ABC Sports announced that it was severing ties with   Howard Cosell and dismissed “The Mouth” from all TV assignments. But “Humble” Howard continued with his daily broadcasts on ABC Radio for another five years.

➦In 1997...the founder of Sony Corp., Masaru Ibuka died at the age of 89 from heart failure. Ibuka, one of the leading engineer-entrepreneurs of post-World War II Japan, helped transform modern culture with the world’s first pocket transistor radio.

Les Tremayne

➦In 2003...Les Tremayne died at age 90. Tremayne was a leading man during Radio's Golden Era.   It is estimated that Les worked on more than 30,000 broadcasts, with as many as 45 radio shows a week in the 30s and 40s.  Replacing Don Ameche, he starred in The First Nighter Program from 1936 to 1942.

He starred in The Adventures of the Thin Man and The Romance of Helen Trent during the 1940s. He also starred in the title role in The Falcon, and played detective Pat Abbott in The Abbott Mysteries in 1946–47.

➤AUDIO: Click Here

Tremayne was married four times. He did a morning talk show: The Tremaynes with his second wife, Alice Reinhardt. When Tremayne died, he was married to his fourth wife, Joan.  Tremayne was once named one of the three most distinctive voices on American radio. The other two were Bing Crosby and President Franklin D. Roosevelt. 

➦In 2004...A single-engine Cessna 182 crashed into the KFI 640 AM radio tower in Los Angeles knocking the station off-the-air for an hour and killing the two people in the plane.

On December 19, 2004 at 9:45 am Pacific Standard Time, Jim and Mary Ghosoph were killed when their rented Cessna 182P single engine airplane, travelling from the El Monte Airport to Fullerton Municipal Airport, struck KFI's transmission tower, located in the City of La Mirada.

Senators Confront FCC Chair Carr Over Investigations

The most contentious moments at the December 17, 2025, Senate oversight hearing on the Federal Communications Commission centered on Chairman Brendan Carr, who faced sharp Democratic criticism for allegedly politicizing the agency through threats to review broadcaster licenses over content critical of President Trump.

Carr defended his actions as enforcement of existing public interest obligations, the broadcast hoax rule, and news distortion policies, insisting he was holding broadcasters accountable rather than engaging in censorship or retaliation. He notably declared the FCC is "not independent" in a formal sense—due to the lack of for-cause removal protections in the Communications Act—and refused to rule out actions against stations airing critical content. 

During the hearing, the FCC website was quietly updated to remove prior language describing the agency as "independent" after senators highlighted the discrepancy.

Democratic senators, including Ed Markey—who dubbed the FCC the "Federal Censorship Commission" and called for Carr's resignation—and Amy Klobuchar, accused him of violating the First Amendment and eroding free speech. 

Republicans, led by Committee Chairman Ted Cruz, largely supported Carr's approach.

During the hearing Chairman Brendan Carr stated that the FCC is "not an independent agency, formally speaking," asserting that the president can remove commissioners "for any reason or no reason at all."

Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) highlighted the FCC's website, which at the time described it as "an independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress." Shortly after Carr's testimony—while the hearing was ongoing—the website was updated to remove the word "independent," now describing the FCC simply as "a U.S. government agency overseen by Congress."

Republican Commissioner Olivia Trusty echoed Carr, noting the lack of statutory protections against removal and stating, "We aren’t independent."  Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez countered that the FCC is independent and "we should be."

An FCC spokesperson later explained the website change as part of ongoing updates following the change in administration earlier in the year, to align materials with the positions of new leadership.

Salem Adds Second Hour of Scott Jennings

Salem Media, Inc. has announced a significant expansion of its Salem Radio Network (SRN) weekday lineup, with two prominent voices in conservative media stepping into the historic 12–3 p.m. ET time slot beginning Monday, January 5.

Scott Jennings

Alex Marlow, Editor-in-Chief of Breitbart News, will anchor the 12–1 p.m. ET hour, followed by Scott Jennings, CNN political commentator and longtime conservative strategist, who will expand his current SRN program to two hours, airing from 1–3 p.m. ET.

The midday block is among the most storied in talk radio history, having previously been home to Rush Limbaugh and, most recently, Charlie Kirk, whose influence on a generation of Americans continues to resonate across the conservative movement.

“This is an important moment for Salem,” said Phil Boyce, Senior Vice President of Content for Salem Media. “Salem has earned the trust of conservative audiences for decades, and we don’t take that lightly. Scott Jennings and Alex Marlow each bring a distinct voice, a rare ability to engage audiences, and real seriousness to the conversation. Together, they will carry the Salem legacy forward.”

Both Marlow and Jennings are already familiar voices to Salem audiences through the Salem Podcast Network (SPN) and Salem Radio Network.

TV Ratings: Football Dominates Weekly Ratings

FOX News Channel (FNC) finished the week of December 8 as the most-watched cable network across total day for the 49th consecutive week, according to Nielsen Big Data + Panel. In Monday - Sunday primetime FNC nabbed over 2 million viewers and throughout total day (6 AM-6 AM/ET), FNC posted 1.3 million viewers. 

For the week, FNC commanded 57% of the cable news share in primetime and 56% throughout total day.

The Five averaged 3.3 million viewers and 241,000 in the 25-54 demo, leading cable news with viewers. At 6 PM/ET, Special Report with Bret Baier drew 2.4 million viewers and 200,000 in the 25-54 demo. The Ingraham Angle saw 2.2 million viewers and 190,000 in the 25-54 demo at 7 PM/ET. Jesse Watters Primetime commanded 2.6 million viewers and 221,000 in the 25-54 demo at 8 PM/ET. At 9 PM/ET, Hannity posted 2.1 million viewers, while at 11 PM/ET, FOX News @ Night with Trace Gallagher secured 1.2 million viewers.

FNC’s late-night hit Gutfeld! (weekdays, 10 PM/ET) averaged 2.4 million viewers and 260,000 in the 25-54 demo continuing to outpace the broadcast competition including CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2.1 million viewers), ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! (1.9 million viewers).FNC continued to see its daytime programs outpace the broadcast competition. 

The Will Cain Show (weekdays, 4 PM/ET; 1.8 million viewers), The Story (weekdays, 3 PM/ET; 1.6 million viewers) The Faulkner Focus (weekdays, 11 AM/ET; 1.5 million viewers), America’s Newsroom (weekdays, 9-11 AM/ET; 1.5 million viewers), Outnumbered (weekdays, 12 PM/ET; 1.5 million viewers) and America Reports (weekdays, 1-3 PM/ET; 1.4 million viewers) all led ABC’s GMA3 (1.3 million viewers), NBC News Daily (1.3 million viewers) and NBC’s Today with Jenna and Friends (1.2 million viewers).

Ratings Graphics Courtesy of RoadMN

On Saturday: Kayleigh McEnany’s Saturday in America (Saturday, 10 AM - 12 PM/ET) was the most-watched cable news show of the day with over 1.3 million viewers. The Big Weekend Show (weekends, 5-8 PM/ET) followed with just under 1.3 million viewers. In primetime, FOX News Saturday Night (Saturday, 10 PM/ET) was the top cable news show with 1.2 million viewers.

On Sunday: Maria Bartiromo’s Sunday Morning Futures (Sunday, 10 AM/ET) was the number one cable news show of the weekend with 1.8 million viewers. In primetime, Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy (Sunday, 9 PM/ET) led the way with 1 million viewers. The Sunday Briefing (Sunday, 11 AM/ET) hosted by Peter Doocy drew over 1.4 million viewers.

Source: Nielsen. Big Data + Panel. Week of 12-8-25 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.

📺BROADCAST EVENING NEWS

ABC World News Tonight with David Muir:

• Averaged 7.867 million total viewers and 1 million viewers in the Adults 25-54 demographic.
• It was the most-watched evening newscast in both categories, though down 5% in total viewers and 6% in the demo from the previous week.

NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas:

• Averaged 6.432 million total viewers and 854,000 viewers in the Adults 25-54 demographic.
• Ranked second in both categories.

CBS Evening News:

• Averaged 4.152 million total viewers and 528,000 viewers in the Adults 25-54 demographic.
• Down 5% in both metrics from the previous week.

All three broadcasts saw week-to-week declines in total viewers and the key demo. ABC maintained its long-term lead, marking its 10th year as the top-rated evening newscast in total viewers.

Broadcast and Streaming Serve Up a Historic Month

November 2025 delivered one of the most historic months to date in Nielsen’s report of The Gauge™, the media industry’s leading snapshot of total TV and streaming consumption. The five-week reporting interval produced a 5.5% monthly increase in television usage, with live sports driving broadcast to its best share of TV since last November, while simultaneously fueling double-digit growth for hybrid streamers like Peacock and Paramount+.

Thanksgiving Day is the centerpiece of November television viewing, and this year was no exception, as audiences watched 103.4 billion minutes of TV across the day and highlighted the various viewing behavior trends. Linear streaming* on Thanksgiving represented 10.1% of total TV usage to achieve the second-highest level of daily linear streaming ever, surpassed only by Super Bowl Sunday in February 2025. By comparison, linear streaming totaled 7.8% of TV usage across the month. Additionally, Thanksgiving was the broadcast category’s 10th-most-watched day since the inception of The Gauge in May 2021.

Broadcast extended its momentum in November, with viewership increasing 7% versus October to capture 23.2% of TV and outpace cable for a third consecutive month. Broadcast gains were driven overwhelmingly by a 30% monthly increase in sports viewing, specifically from the back-half of the MLB World Series on FOX, plus NFL and college football on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC. And despite accounting for just 3% of broadcast content by duration, sports commanded 37% of all broadcast viewership in November and 6.4% of total TV usage—the highest share for the genre ever recorded in The Gauge. NFL coverage drew more younger audiences into the broadcast ecosystem as well, with viewing for the under-30 group up 21% this month, and viewing for kids 2-11 up 27%.

YouTube Pulling Out of Billboard Charts Relationship

YouTube announced Wednesday, that it will stop providing its music streaming data to Billboard for use in U.S. charts, effective after January 16, 2026. This ends a partnership that began in 2013 for the Hot 100 and extended to album charts like the Billboard 200 in 2019-2020.

The decision, outlined in a blog post by YouTube's Global Head of Music Lyor Cohen, stems from a dispute over Billboard's weighting of streams: paid/subscription streams (e.g., Spotify Premium) are valued more than ad-supported (free) streams, primarily from YouTube's free tier. 

Cohen called the formula "outdated," arguing that all streams should count equally since "every fan matters and every play should count."

The announcement came one day after Billboard revealed updates narrowing the ratio from roughly 1:3 to 1:2.5 (2.5 ad-supported streams = 1 paid stream), aimed at reflecting rising streaming revenue and consumer behavior. YouTube deemed this insufficient.

Billboard defended its methodology, stating it balances revenue generation, consumer intent, and industry standards, with paid streams yielding more per-play income for artists and labels. A spokesperson expressed hope YouTube would reconsider.

Starting with charts dated January 17, 2026, YouTube streams will no longer contribute to Billboard rankings, potentially affecting artists reliant on video-driven or viral hits. YouTube will continue submitting data to Luminate (Billboard's data provider) but not for Billboard's use, and it plans to promote its own charts as an alternative.

The move underscores broader industry tensions over measuring success in a streaming era dominated by ad-supported platforms like YouTube versus subscription services.