Local TV Stations Are Killing Syndicated Daytime Content

The slow death of daytime syndicated TV accelerated dramatically in 2025, with multiple high-profile cancellations and a sharp decline in new launches, driven by shrinking audiences, high production costs, and competition from streaming.

Key developments include the cancellation of five major syndicated shows for the 2025-26 season: 

Dish Nation (after 13 seasons), Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien (after 10 seasons), Person, Place or Thing (after two seasons), Pictionary (after three seasons), and True Crime News (after one season). These cuts reflect broader industry challenges, as viewers shift to on-demand platforms, and producers like Warner Bros. and Paramount scale back investments. Iconic game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune also expanded streaming access via next-day deals with Hulu and Peacock, signaling a pivot away from exclusive broadcast syndication.

In response, broadcast stations are undergoing a renaissance in local content, prioritizing community-focused programming to boost ad revenue and relevance.

As first reported by Cord Cutters News, major groups like Nexstar, Gray, Scripps, and Sinclair are leading the shift, expanding local news, lifestyle shows, and regional hubs. Nexstar, the largest station owner, has reduced syndicated daytime slots in favor of hyper-local content, with stations like WOOD-TV 8 in Grand Rapids slashing national programming to just two hours daily while adding extended local news and community segments. This approach delivers stronger regional ad sales from local businesses and meets viewer demand for trusted, community-specific information in a streaming-dominated era.

Overall, the decline of traditional syndicated daytime TV highlights evolving media consumption, while the rise of local programming offers stations a viable, sustainable future.

More Skinny Streaming Bundles Coming In 2026

Streaming platforms are increasingly offering budget-friendly bundles to combat rising costs, subscription fatigue, and churn. These packages target niche audiences—such as anime fans, arthouse cinephiles, sports enthusiasts, or LGBTQ+ viewers—by combining mainstream services with specialized ones. Bundles often include ad-supported tiers, saving users 30-50% compared to separate subscriptions, and focus on value for underserved interests.

Major Bundles for Niche Audiences

• Disney+, Hulu, and Max (formerly HBO Max) Bundle — $19.99/month with ads ($32.99 ad-free). Appeals to superhero, drama, and documentary fans with Marvel/DC, FX originals, HBO prestige series, and National Geographic. Savings: ~42% vs. individual plans.
• Apple TV+ and Peacock Bundle — Starts at $14.99/month (with ads on Peacock; $19.99 ad-free). Ideal for sci-fi enthusiasts (Apple's Severance, Silo) and reality/sports viewers (Peacock's The Office, Real Housewives, NFL/Premier League). Launched in October 2025, it saves over 30%.
• Xfinity StreamSaver — $15/month (rising to $18 in late December) for Xfinity subscribers. Includes Netflix (with ads), Apple TV+, and Peacock. Targets binge-watchers of post-apocalyptic shows, comedies, and gaming tie-ins. Saves ~40% vs. separate subscriptions.
• Crunchyroll Premium — From $7.99/month (Fan tier) to $15.99 (Ultimate). Anime-focused, with ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and game access in higher tiers. Annual deals (e.g., $20 off Mega Fan) make it budget-friendly for otaku audiences.

Emerging Niche Options

Lower-cost add-ons or standalone services often integrate into broader bundles (e.g., via Prime Video):

• Mubi — $14.99/month for curated arthouse and international films; appeals to cinephiles.
• WOW Presents Plus — $5.99/month for drag and LGBTQ+ content like RuPaul's Drag Race.
• Shout! Factory TV — Premium at $3.99/month for cult classics and B-movies.
• MagellanTV — $5.99/month for documentaries.Industry Trends Driving BundlesRising standalone prices (e.g., Netflix, Disney+) and consumer demand for affordability push bundling. Ad-supported options keep entry low ($10-20/month), while carriers like Xfinity and Walmart+ add perks. 

Expect more mergers and sports-focused packages in 2026.

FNC Outpaces NBC YTD with Weekday Primetime

FOX News Channel (FNC) finished the week of December 15 continuing to beat NBC with weekday primetime in 2025, according to Nielsen Big Data + Panel. Year-to-date in weekday primetime, FNC (3,153,000 viewers) leads NBC (3,113,000 viewers). In Monday-Sunday primetime, FNC nabbed 2.1 million viewers and 191,000 in the 25-54 demo. Across total day (6 AM-6 AM/ET), FNC posted 1.4 million viewers and 126,000 in the 25-54 demo. During the week, FNC commanded 84 of the top 100 telecasts in all of cable.

The Five averaged 3.5 million viewers and 281,000 in the 25-54 demo, leading cable news with viewers. At 6 PM/ET, Special Report with Bret Baier drew 2.6 million viewers and 233,000 in the 25-54 demo. The Ingraham Angle saw 2.4 million viewers and 217,000 in the 25-54 demo at 7 PM/ET. Jesse Watters Primetime commanded 2.9 million viewers and 251,000 in the 25-54 demo at 8 PM/ET. At 9 PM/ET, Hannity posted 2.8 million viewers and 300,000 with A25-54. At 11 PM/ET, FOX News @ Night with Trace Gallagher secured 1.6 million viewers and 163,000 A25-54.

FNC’s late-night hit Gutfeld! (weekdays, 10 PM/ET) averaged 2.5 million viewers and 249,000 in the 25-54 demo. Gutfeld! continued to outpace the broadcast competition including CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2 million viewers), ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2 million viewers), NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (1.2 million viewers) and NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers (891,000 viewers).

FNC continued to see its daytime programs outpace the broadcast competition. The Will Cain Show (weekdays, 4 PM/ET; 2.1 million viewers) outranked CBS Mornings (2 million viewers). Outnumbered (weekdays, 12 PM/ET; 1.8 million viewers), America’s Newsroom (weekdays, 9-11 AM/ET; 1.8 million viewers), The Story (weekdays, 3 PM/ET; 1.8 million viewers), The Faulkner Focus (weekdays, 11 AM/ET; 1.8 million viewers) and America Reports (weekdays, 1-3 PM/ET; 1.7 million viewers) each led NBC’s Today with Jenna and Friends (1.5 million viewers), NBC News Daily (1.4 million viewers), and ABC’s GMA3 (1.4 million viewers).

Ratings Graphics courtesy of RoadMN

On Saturday: FOX & Friends Weekend (weekends, 6-10 AM/ET) was the most-watched cable news show of the day with 1.2 million viewers. Kayleigh McEnany’s Saturday in America (Saturday, 10 AM-12 PM/ET) followed with 1.1 million viewers. In primetime, My View with Lara Trump (Saturday, 9 PM/ET) was the top cable news show with 836,000 viewers.

On Sunday; Maria Bartiromo’s Sunday Morning Futures (Sunday, 10 AM/ET) was the number one cable news show of the weekend with 1.3 million viewers. The Sunday Briefing (Sunday, 11 AM/ET) hosted by Peter Doocy drew 1.1 million viewers. In primetime, Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy (Sunday, 9 PM/ET) led the way with 909,000 viewers.

Source: Nielsen. Big Data + Panel. Week of 12-15-25 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.

Where Things Stand: Turmoil At CBS News

CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss abruptly pulled a "60 Minutes" segment on Venezuelan migrants deported to El Salvador's notorious CECOT prison just hours before its scheduled airing last Sunday sparking internal backlash and accusations of political interference.

The segment, titled "Inside CECOT" and reported by correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi, featured interviews with released deportees describing brutal conditions, including torture, abuse, and human rights violations in the maximum-security facility. It had been promoted in advance, screened multiple times, fact-checked, and cleared by legal and standards teams.

Weiss intervened late Saturday, requesting changes such as adding on-the-record interviews from Trump administration officials (e.g., Stephen Miller) and more context on the legal basis for the deportations. CBS announced the delay ~3 hours before airtime, stating the piece "needed additional reporting" and would air later. The episode proceeded without it, replaced by other content.Alfonsi condemned the decision in an internal email, calling it "not an editorial decision, it is a political one" and corporate censorship. Staff frustration boiled over in meetings, with veteran correspondent Scott Pelley questioning Weiss's last-minute involvement and management style.

pic.twitter.com/Okx1tyRmIN Here’s the full 60 Minutes segment on CECOT that Bari Weiss and CBS censored.

— Lavy (@Lavy02) December 23, 2025

Weiss defended the hold on a Monday staff call and in a Christmas Eve memo (co-signed by CBS News President Tom Cibrowski and deputies), arguing the story lacked new advances beyond prior reporting (e.g., by The New York Times), needed more balance, and aimed to restore viewer trust. She emphasized contentious disagreements should occur respectfully.

The original segment leaked online after accidentally streaming on Canada's Global TV app, circulating widely despite CBS takedown efforts. The incident has fueled concerns about editorial independence at CBS under new Paramount Skydance ownership (led by Trump ally David Ellison) and Weiss's appointment, amid broader tensions over perceived shifts toward centrist or administration-friendly coverage.

Trump: Stephen Colbert Should Be 'Put To Sleep'

President Donald Trump launched a fiery Truth Social tirade against Stephen Colbert and other late-night hosts on Christmas Eve, calling for Colbert's already-canceled show to end immediately and suggesting CBS "put him to sleep" as a "humanitarian" act.

Trump branded Colbert a "pathetic trainwreck" with "no talent," claiming the host is "running on hatred and fumes" and a "dead man walking" with "nonexistent ratings" since CBS announced in July that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will conclude in May 2026. 

Colbert

He urged the network to cancel the show "NOW" rather than wait until the planned end date.

In follow-up posts, Trump questioned which network has the "worst" late-night host—CBS, ABC, or NBC—accusing them all of high salaries, no talent, and "REALLY LOW RATINGS." He escalated further, arguing that networks with "almost 100% negative" coverage of him, MAGA, and Republicans should have their broadcast licenses terminated, declaring, "I say, YES!"

Trump abruptly ended the rant with "Merry Christmas!!!" without explaining what prompted the outburst, though it followed CBS airing a rerun of a Colbert episode that mocked him.

The president has frequently targeted late-night hosts like Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and others over their critical monologues, renewing calls to axe their shows amid ongoing feuds with media figures.

Detroit News To Relaunch Sunday Print Edition

The Detroit News will launch a standalone Sunday print edition starting January 18, 2026 — the first since 1989 — following the end of its joint operating agreement with the Detroit Free Press.

This marks the newspaper's return to independent Sunday publishing, featuring content entirely written or selected by its own staff, including more from familiar writers, columnists, features, and advertisers. The new Sunday edition will also be available online for digital subscribers.

Additional Changes Coming in 2026

• Website redesign for detroitnews.com to improve navigation and focus on high-interest topics.
• Updated mobile app with a fresh look and better performance.
• Print design refresh, the first major update since 2009.
• Enhanced eNewspaper experience, including the new Sunday edition, for readers who prefer a digital replica of the print format.

These updates build on The Detroit News' legacy since 1873, as the paper transitions to fully independent operations after the 36-year Detroit Media Partnership concludes. Subscription details are still being finalized to avoid disruptions.

For the full announcement, see the publisher's letter in recent editions of The Detroit News.

FCC Chair Highlights 'Historic' 2025 Wins for Broadcasters

As the FCC wraps up a dynamic and often contentious year, Chair Brendan Carr has released a comprehensive list of 75 key achievements in 2025, emphasizing advancements in deregulation, innovation, and support for local broadcasting.

Carr described 2025 as a "historic year," stating: “2025 was a historic year for the FCC and I am proud of all the wins we were able to achieve for the American people. I want to express my thanks and appreciation to the agency’s talented staff for the great and efficient results that they delivered all year long. But this is just the beginning. The FCC is firing on all cylinders, and we will build on this momentum to deliver even more wins in 2026.”

Among the highlights most relevant to broadcasters, the FCC:

• Approved the Skydance acquisition of Paramount (including CBS), with commitments from the new owners to promote diverse viewpoints, address perceived bias in national news media, enhance local reporting, and strengthen affiliate partnerships.
• Launched a broad inquiry—the first in over 15 years—into relationships between major national programmers and local broadcast TV stations, aiming to empower affiliates and ensure they can fulfill public interest obligations.
• 
  Granted 84 construction permits for new noncommercial TV, FM, and low-power radio stations, while processing over 7,600 other licensing matters, including 887 assignments/transfers and 714 renewals.
• Approved the first new ownership combinations of two full-power, top-four-ranked television stations in the same market in more than five years, followed by another such approval, enabling greater operational flexibility for station groups.
• Advanced the transition to NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0), supporting modernization of over-the-air broadcasting to deliver enhanced services, interactive features, and improved local news access.
• Eliminated 98 obsolete or outdated broadcast rules, plus 11 additional provisions tied to antiquated technologies.
• Held broadcasters accountable to public interest obligations while empowering them to better serve local communities.These actions reflect a focus on reducing regulatory burdens, fostering innovation, and prioritizing localism amid evolving media landscapes. 

The full list of 75 wins is available on the FCC website.

BIA Forecasts 2026 Ad Trends

BIA Advisory Services has released its 10 Trends for 2026 report, highlighting “Radio’s Resilience Through Digital Extension” as one of the top defining trends for the local advertising market. CEO Tom Buono emphasizes that “innovation alone isn’t enough” — success will depend on pairing it with data-driven insights.

The U.S. local advertising market is projected to reach $182 billion in 2026, driven by digital transformation, shifting audience behaviors, and midterm election spending.

Key Trends and Projections

• Political advertising will surge, with $9 billion expected in midterm election spending, boosting demand for local TV, streaming, and hybrid video inventory.
• Connected TV (CTV)/OTT ad spending is forecast to hit $3.6 billion, up 9.7% year-over-year.
• Social media ad revenue will reach $42.6 billion, with social video accounting for over 70% of local social spend.
• Out-of-home (OOH) advertising will grow 5% to $9.2 billion, fueled by digital screens and programmatic tools.
• Local advertisers are prioritizing precision and personalization, with 63% of consumers responding better to localized ads — especially in real estate, leisure, and dining.

Radio remains a vital player in this evolving landscape. Local audio sellers are expanding into streaming, podcasts, geotargeted digital inventory, programmatic audio, in-car listening, interactive voice ads, and FM zone targeting. These digital extensions will enable stations to secure larger, cross-platform campaigns.

“Local audio will evolve rapidly in 2026,” the report states. “Emerging digital extensions are creating fresh opportunities for sellers to innovate, target smarter, and win more business.”

FOX News Media to Ring In 2026

FOX News Media will ring in 2026 with special multiplatform programming on New Year’s Eve. Beginning at 9 PM/ET on December 31st, FOX News Channel (FNC) is set to air three one-hour New Year’s Eve specials.

At 9 PM/ET, FNC contributors Tyrus and Kat Timpf will host A New Year with Kat & Tyrus to look back at their favorite stories and videos of 2025. They will be joined by network contributor Kennedy, political analyst Guy Benson and FOX Business Network correspondent Madison Alworth, along with comedian Joe Machi, who will perform a standup comedy routine. In the 10 PM/ET hour, FNC will air Who Can Forget 2025? with network personalities including hosts Brian Kilmeade, Tomi Lahren, Griff Jenkins, among others looking back at the biggest news and pop-culture stories of 2025. 

At 11 PM/ET, FNC host Jimmy Failla will present All-American New Year’s Bash where he will be joined by The Big Weekend Show co-host Tomi Lahren, Bar Rescue’s Jon Taffer and comedians Aaron Berg and Charles McBee to recap the wildest news of 2025.

FOX News Audio will present exclusive New Year’s Eve specials, which will be available at FOXNewsPodcasts.com and wherever podcasts are available. FOX News Audio’s daily morning podcast, FOX News Rundown, will deliver Stories of the Year, a two-hour special that takes a look back at the most popular stories of 2025. 

Throughout this special, listeners will hear from guests such as Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, FNC host Dana Perino and more. Additionally, the platform will present three one-hour specials including Echoes of 2025: Lives That Left Their Mark, a moving tribute to the notable people we lost in 2025, 2025: A Year of Transition a review of the biggest stories of a year defined by change and President Donald Trump on The World Stage, a deep dive into President Donald Trump’s profound influence on global affairs in 2025.

iHM Opens Video Podcast Platform to Creators & Publishers

iHeartMedia is launching free full-length video podcast distribution on the iHeartRadio app and website in early 2026, expanding its "Creators First" mission to support creators without charging fees or taking revenue shares.

This move allows podcasters to upload video episodes via standard RSS feeds alongside their audio content, giving them full control over presentation, monetization, and hosting providers—no ties to iHeart-owned services required.

Bob Pitman

Bob Pittman, iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO, emphasized the shift: “While audio remains the backbone of the podcast medium, video podcasting is now emerging as a completely separate and incremental form to audio, in the same way that podcasting evolved as a new layer on top of broadcast radio. 

At iHeartMedia creators come first. Providing this new video distribution capability for free to our creators is an additional testament to our continuing focus on creators’ success and is consistent with how and why the podcast industry was built to begin with.”

The move reflects radio's ongoing digital reinvention through hybrid models that blend OTA broadcasting with streaming, podcasts, and video. Companies like iHeartMedia emphasize seamless integration of live radio, on-demand content, and emerging formats to adapt to evolving listener preferences.

Traditional OTA radio continues to hold the largest share of ad-supported audio listening, with recent data showing it accounts for 62-67% of daily ad-supported audio time, compared to 15-20% for podcasts and 12-15% for streaming music services. Weekly reach remains high, especially in vehicles and at work, where OTA dominates. Older demographics (35+) favor traditional radio, while younger listeners increasingly shift to digital platforms.

However, streaming's rapid rise—digital audio ad spending now exceeds $13 billion annually—pressures traditional radio's core ad sales. Podcast advertising grew 32.8% in early 2025, outpacing streaming and radio, while programmatic digital audio and targeted ads attract budgets away from spot advertising. National radio spot revenue is projected to decline modestly, though local and digital extensions provide some offset.

Overall, the industry evolves toward hybrid ecosystems, with innovations like video integration and programmatic partnerships helping broadcasters maintain relevance amid competition. Traditional radio's strengths in reach, localism, and in-car listening ensure its endurance, but sustained growth depends on embracing digital formats.

Audacy Raises $3.2M for Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon

Seven Audacy stations teamed up and raised $3.2 million for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital during the 36th annual “Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon.” All proceeds go towards supporting St. Jude’s life-saving mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®

Between December 11 and 12, U.S. 101 (WUSY-FM) in Chattanooga, US99 (WUSN-FM) in Chicago, 99.5 WYCD (WYCD-FM) in Detroit, KMLE Country 107.9 (KMLE-FM) in Phoenix, Y108 (WDSY-FM) in Pittsburgh, 103.7 KSON (KSON-FM) in San Diego and Froggy 101 (WGGY-FM) in Wilkes-Barre held on-air radiothons, asking listeners to become Partners In Hope and contribute monthly donations. The $3.2 million raised will help ensure St. Jude patients and their families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, housing, travel or food. This allows them to focus their full energy and attention on recovery.

Hosted by local on-air personalities and national Audacy talent, including Katie Neal, Holly Hutton and Rob Stone, the two-day radiothon drove significant listener engagement and donations. Highlights included an emotional interview on 103.7 KSON with a St. Jude mother, who detailed how the organization provided her daughter with years of life beyond initial medical expectations. This year’s event also featured an exclusive St. Jude takeover hour hosted by Country superstar Luke Combs.

“Our national radiothon series is fueled by the incredible dedication of our Audacy team, who put their hearts into supporting the kids at St. Jude,” said Tim Roberts, Country Format Vice President, Audacy. “Radio’s greatest strength is its ability to unite communities, and the selfless support from our audience this year has been nothing short of inspiring. Our partnership with St. Jude remains a cornerstone of our mission, and every dollar donated is a victory in the fight to end childhood cancer.”

Listeners can tune in to participating Audacy Country stations and connect with them via the social platforms listed below.

• U.S. 101 (WUSY-FM): X, Facebook and Instagram
• US99 (WUSN-FM): X, Facebook and Instagram
• 99.5 WYCD (WYCD-FM): X, Facebook and Instagram
• KMLE Country 107.9 (KMLE-FM): X, Facebook and Instagram
• 103.7 KSON (KSON-FM): X, Facebook and Instagram
• Froggy 101 (WGGY-FM): X, Facebook and Instagram

R.I.P.: Howie Klein, Pioneering Record Exec, Radio DJ

Howie Klein, a pioneering record executive, radio DJ, and dedicated political activist, passed away Wednesday, at the age of 77 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. His sister announced the news via a social media post.

Howie Klein (1948-2025)

Born Howard Klein on February 20, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, he began his music career at Stony Brook University, where he booked iconic acts like Jimi Hendrix, the Who, Pink Floyd, the Doors, and Janis Joplin. 

After traveling abroad, he settled in San Francisco and hosted one of the first regular punk radio shows on KSAN in the late 1970s, interviewing bands such as the Sex Pistols, Devo, and Iggy Pop.In 1978, Klein co-founded 415 Records, a key independent label that signed influential new wave and punk acts like Romeo Void, Translator, and Wire Train. 

He joined Sire Records in 1987, contributing to its golden era with artists including Madonna, the Smiths, Depeche Mode, and Lou Reed.

Klein then became president of Reprise Records (a Warner Bros. subsidiary) from 1989 to 2001, overseeing a roster that included Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Green Day, Alanis Morissette, Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, and many others. Known for his artist-friendly approach, he championed creative freedom amid industry censorship battles, notably against groups like the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC).

In 2001, following the AOL-Time Warner merger, Klein resigned. He later focused on progressive politics, co-founding the Blue America PAC, blogging at DownWithTyranny.com, and advocating for causes like free speech and social justice. His contributions to music history are preserved in the Howie Klein Collection at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Klein is remembered as a visionary who bridged punk, alternative, and mainstream music while fiercely defending artistic expression. His passing has been mourned widely in music and political circles.