Trump Pressures GOP Senators To Defund Public Media

President Donald Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to wavering Republican senators regarding a rescissions bill that proposes significant cuts to public broadcasting: support the defunding of NPR and PBS or risk losing his endorsement for their reelection campaigns.

As the Senate gears up to July 18 vote on the $9.4 billion clawback package, proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency, which includes slashing $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (overseeing NPR and PBS) and reducing foreign aid, several Republicans have voiced concerns about the media cuts.

“I cannot support the rescissions package in its current form,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) on Wednesday, specifically citing the provisions targeting PBS and NPR.

Other conservative senators have expressed worries about the bill’s impact on rural and Native American communities that depend on public broadcasting for communication, particularly for emergency messaging. 

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) emphasized the need to preserve funding for these areas, stating, “We’re not aiming to eliminate all rescissions, but to protect those critical for rural communities. This is how they stay connected.” 

He indicated openness to negotiating with the White House.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, also opposes the bill as drafted and plans to propose amendments.

“I’m working with committee members to explore changes to the rescissions package,” she said Wednesday.

Trump, who has long criticized public broadcasting as anti-MAGA, escalated his stance Thursday night on Truth Social, threatening to support primary challenges against Republicans who don’t back the bill.

“All Republicans must support my Recissions Bill and DEFUND THE CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING (PBS and NPR), worse than CNN & MSDNC combined,” he wrote, using his nickname for MSNBC. “Any Republican voting to keep this monstrosity broadcasting will lose my support or Endorsement. Thank you!”

The rescissions package follows Trump’s May executive order demanding the elimination of all federal funding for public media, citing alleged anti-conservative bias. This push aligns with his months-long campaign to defund NPR and PBS, which rely on government funds for 1% and 15% of their budgets, respectively.

FCC Pushes Companies to Abandon D.E.I

T-Mobile has become the latest company to dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion DEI programs amid scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission during merger and acquisition reviews.

In a letter this week to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, T-Mobile announced it would eliminate all D.E.I.-related policies “in substance, not just in name.” 

This includes reassigning D.E.I. staff to focus on “employee culture and engagement” and removing all D.E.I. references from its website, going beyond the partial rollback it reported to the FCC in March.

On Friday, the FCC approved T-Mobile’s acquisition of a significant portion of UScellular’s wireless business. 

The agency’s order noted T-Mobile’s D.E.I. policy termination, stating it “expects these changes will prevent DEI discrimination in the post-transaction company.”

While the FCC typically evaluates media and telecom deals for consumer benefits, it has taken an unusual role in advancing the Trump administration’s push to eliminate D.E.I. in corporate America. Chairman Carr has embraced this agenda, leveraging an executive order to curb “illegal D.E.I.” by threatening to block deals and investigating companies like Disney and Comcast over their D.E.I. efforts. 

On Wednesday, Carr praised T-Mobile’s move on X, calling it a “good step forward for equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and the public interest.”

Skydance In Talks To Buy Bari Weiss’ The Free Press

Bari Weiss

Paramount’s owner-in-waiting, David Ellison, met with journalist entrepreneur Bari Weiss on Friday about a possible tie-up between CBS News and her startup The Free Press.

CNN reports the pair met on the sidelines of an annual gathering of media moguls in Sun Valley, Idaho, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Ellison has been holding talks with Weiss in recent weeks as he awaits Trump administration approval of the pending merger between Paramount and his firm, Skydance Media.

Once the merger takes effect, Ellison will oversee Paramount, including its storied CBS News division.

Ellison has been tight-lipped about his vision for CBS, so his interest in The Free Press is a significant signal about his plans to invest in reporting and analysis.

Ellison is said to be interested in infusing Weiss’s editorial perspective into CBS News, as the media newsletter Status first reported last month. The New York Times reported on Skydance’s “early talks” to acquire The Free Press on Friday.

Weiss became something of a journalistic household name after she quit The Times in 2020 and blasted its “illiberal environment.” One year later, she had gained enough of a following on her Substack-hosted publication, originally named Common Sense, to start hiring a staff.

In her original pitch for the publication, she wrote, “There are tens of millions of Americans who aren’t on the hard left or the hard right who feel that the world has gone mad.”

Weiss said her website, later renamed The Free Press, was for people who “prefer to think for themselves.” She gained subscribers, but also critics, through the site’s volume of so-called anti-woke columns and stories. She has similarly won both support and scrutiny for her strong support of Israel – a view that Ellison has also been outspoken about.

Earlier this year New York magazine described The Free Press as a media organ that “both wants to excoriate liberals but not fold fully into the MAGA wing.” One recent column was titled “Have You Heard The Good News?” and was subtitled, “Because the progressive left and the MAGA right clearly have not.”

Chicago Radio: Kashon Powell New VP/Programming For iHM

iHeartMedia Chicago has announced industry vet Kashon Powell as Vice President of Programming. Effective August 18. Powell will take over the programming duties for WGCI-FM, WVAZ-FM, WGRB-AM and WMFN-AM, and will report to James Howard, SVP Programming.

Kashon Powell

“Kashon has an exceptional track record of success, consistently driving results and inspiring teams,” said Howard. “We are thrilled to welcome her to our Chicago team where her expertise will help strengthen the connection with our listeners.”

Powell has over 30 years of industry leadership, becoming the first woman to serve as Vice President of Programming at Urban One. From launching her career at KBXX-FM in Houston to overseeing major markets and producing national programs like Urban One Honors, Powell is known for her visionary programming, strategic innovation, and commitment to elevating diverse voices.

“I am excited to return to iHeartMedia to lead these legendary brands and contribute to the legacy of such iconic radio stations,” said Powell. “A huge thank you to James Howard, Thea Mitchem, Brad Hardin, and Doc Wynter for this incredible opportunity.”

Milwaukee-Madison Radio: Brett Andrews Brand Manager For Audacy

Audacy Wisconsin welcomes Brett Andrews as Brand Manager for Mix 105.1 FM (WMHX-FM) in Madison and Assistant Brand Manager for 99.1 The Mix (WMYX-FM) and 103.7 KISS-FM (WXSS-FM) in Milwaukee starting July 14. Andrews will also be hosting afternoons on 99.1 The Mix from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT.

“Brett’s deep connection to these stations and proven talent in the industry make him an incredible asset as we continue to strive to build lasting relationships with our listeners and partners,” said Jason Bjorson, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Wisconsin. “We’re so excited to have Brett’s passion for radio and knowledge of the Milwaukee and Madison markets back on our team and have him lead three of our local favorites.”

"There’s something special about these stations that keeps pulling me back. I walked into this building over 25 years ago to start my career, and it’s an honor to return and help carry on their incredible legacy,” said Andrews. “Huge thanks to Jason Bjorson and Molly Cruz for believing in me. It feels so good to be home again!"

The new weekday lineup for 99.1 The Mix is as follows.

• 5:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. CT: Elizabeth and Radar
• 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. CT: Letty B
• 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. CT: Brett Andrews

Andrews joins from iHeartRadio, where he was Senior Vice President of Programming in Milwaukee and Madison. During his tenure, he served as the Program Director at WRIT in Milwaukee, WZEE in Madison, KSLZ in St. Louis and KKRZ in Portland. He also hosted on air at 103.5 KISS FM in Chicago, Z100 in Portland, Z1077 in St. Louis, 104.7 KISS FM in Phoenix and 101.3 KDWB in Minneapolis. His return to 103.7 KISS-FM marks a full-circle moment as he was a host at the station in 2007.

Lawmakers Push For Full FCC Votes On Paramount Deal

Sens. Edward Markey and Ben Ray Luján, both Democrats, wrote to newly confirmed FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty, pressing for a full FCC vote on the $8 billion Paramount-Skydance merger rather than delegating the decision to the FCC's media bureau.

According to The Wrap, the senators noted that President Donald Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit against CBS and “60 Minutes,” recently settled for $16 million without an apology from the network, has raised concerns about the merger. 

Olivia Trusty

They argued that the settlement casts doubt on Paramount’s motives and the deal’s impact on media independence, calling for a transparent FCC review process.“We urge you to ensure the FCC conducts its merger review with maximum transparency, including a full Commission vote,” they wrote, emphasizing the need for openness on this high-profile issue.

The FCC, tasked with reviewing the merger due to broadcast license transfers, typically aims to decide within 180 days, though this is not binding. The Paramount-Skydance review is currently at day 238, according to the FCC’s website.

Both Paramount and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr have stated that Trump’s lawsuit and settlement are unrelated to the merger review. However, Carr has indicated that the FCC’s separate probe into alleged “news distortion” tied to a Kamala Harris interview could lead to consequences, including the potential revocation of CBS’s broadcast license if public interest standards are found to be violated.

Report: Dan Bongino Takes Day-Off After Bondi Blow-Up

There have been reports Friday suggesting that FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino and FBI Director Kash Patel might consider resigning due to tensions with Attorney General Pam Bondi, primarily over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case files. 

According to sources cited by various outlets, including the Daily Wire and CNN, Bongino has expressed frustration with Bondi’s approach to the Epstein files, particularly after a July 6, 2025, DOJ memo stated no further information would be released and denied the existence of an Epstein "client list." 

This contradicted earlier expectations set by Bondi, who in February 2025 suggested she was reviewing significant Epstein-related documents. The lack of transparency and perceived mishandling led to a reported clash during a White House meeting involving Bongino, Patel, Bondi, and other officials.

A source close to the DOJ, cited by the Daily Wire, claimed Patel might also consider leaving if Bongino resigns, citing broader frustrations with Bondi’s withholding of other documents. 

However, there’s no official confirmation from Bongino or Patel about resigning, and some reports, like one from Fox News, suggest both Patel and Bondi intend to stay. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has publicly denied any rift, stating that FBI and DOJ leadership were aligned on the Epstein memo.

The controversy stems from unmet expectations among some conservative supporters who anticipated major revelations from the Epstein files, fueled by prior statements from both Patel and Bongino. While Bongino reportedly took a day off after the dispute, no formal resignation decisions have been confirmed. The situation remains fluid, with speculation driven by posts on X and media reports but lacking definitive evidence of either official’s intent to quit.

Jen Psaki Struggles in MSNBC Primetime Slot

Two months into her primetime role at MSNBC, former Biden press secretary Jen Psaki is facing challenges, with her show, The Briefing, losing 44% of the audience previously drawn by Rachel Maddow in the same slot. 

From its May 6 debut through July 3, The Briefing averaged 1.1 million total viewers, compared to 1.8 million for Maddow and temporary host Alex Wagner earlier this year, per Fox News Digital. 

In contrast, Fox News’s Hannity, airing at 9 p.m., averaged 2.9 million viewers.

Psaki’s lackluster viewership compounds MSNBC’s ongoing struggles, as the network grapples with declining ratings and criticism over its left-leaning coverage. 

Comcast, MSNBC’s parent company, announced in November it would sever ties with the network. Psaki, who served as White House press secretary from January 2021 to May 2022, has also faced scrutiny for allegedly downplaying Joe Biden’s mental decline during her tenure.

Taking over Maddow’s 9 p.m. slot Tuesday through Friday, Psaki has particularly struggled in the key 25-54 demographic, averaging just 90,000 viewers compared to Hannity’s 344,000 and CNN’s The Source with Kaitlan Collins at 108,000. Despite this, The Briefing outperforms The Source, which averaged 543,000 total viewers since May.

Radio History: July 12

Milton Berle 1943

➦In 1908...Comedian Milton Berle was born in New York City (Died from colon cancer – March 27, 2002). Berle's career as an entertainer spanned over 80 years, first in silent films and on stage as a child actor, then in radio, movies and television. As the host of NBC's Texaco Star Theater (1948–55), he was the first major American television star and was known to millions of viewers as "Uncle Miltie" and "Mr. Television" during the first Golden Age of Television.

From 1934–36, Berle appeared regularly on The Rudy Vallee Hour, and he attracted publicity as a regular on The Gillette Original Community Sing, a Sunday night comedy-variety program broadcast on CBS from September 6, 1936 to August 29, 1937. In 1939, he was the host of Stop Me If You've Heard This One with panelists spontaneously finishing jokes sent in by listeners.

In the late 1940s, he canceled well-paying nightclub appearances to expand his radio career. Three Ring Time, a comedy-variety show sponsored by Ballantine Ale, was followed by a 1943 program sponsored by Campbell's Soups. The audience participation show Let Yourself Go (1944–1945) could best be described as "slapstick radio" with studio audience members acting out long suppressed urges—often directed at host Berle. Kiss and Make Up, on CBS in 1946, featured the problems of contestants decided by a jury from the studio audience with Berle as the judge. Berle also made guest appearances on many comedy-variety radio programs during the 1930s and 1940s.

Howard Duff

 ➦In 1946…"The Adventures of Sam Spade," debuted on ABC Radio.

The show ran for 13 episodes on ABC in 1946, for 157 episodes on CBS in 1946-1949, and finally for 51 episodes on NBC in 1949-1951. The series starred Howard Duff (and later, Steve Dunne) as Sam Spade and Lurene Tuttle as his secretary Effie, and took a considerably more tongue-in-cheek approach to the character than the novel or movie. The announcer was Dick Joy.

The series was largely overseen by producer/director William Spier. In 1947, scriptwriters Jason James and Bob Tallman received an Edgar Award for Best Radio Drama from the Mystery Writers of America.

➦In 1957…DJ Alan Freed - the man who coined the term "Rock and Roll" - started a Rock and Roll program on ABC-TV.

"The Big Beat" with guest performers Frankie Lymon And The Teenagers, the Everly Brothers and Connie Francis. The series was cancelled after the fourth show in which Frankie Lymon was seen dancing with a white girl, something that reportedly offended the management of the network's affiliate stations in southern states. Freed hosted a local version of "The Big Beat" on WNEW-TV New York until late 1959 when he was fired due to payola allegations.

➦In 1976…Ted Mack died (Born William Edward Maguiness February 12, 1904). He was the host of Ted Mack and The Original Amateur Hour on radio and television.

DHS Rejects CNN Report on Texas Flood Response Delays

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has strongly disputed a CNN report claiming her new policy delayed FEMA’s response to catastrophic flash flooding in central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend, which killed at least 120 people and left over 150 missing.

The floods, centered near the Guadalupe River, devastated communities, with a death toll reported between 119 and 120 across sources.

CNN’s report, citing four FEMA officials, alleged that Noem’s rule requiring her personal approval for any DHS contract or grant over $100,000 created bureaucratic obstacles, delaying the deployment of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams until Monday, over 72 hours after the flooding began on Friday. 

The report suggested this slowed FEMA’s ability to provide critical resources, as disaster response costs often reach billions, making the $100,000 threshold negligible.

Noem, appearing on Fox & Friends, called the CNN report “fake news” and “absolute trash,” asserting that DHS assets, including the Coast Guard and Border Patrol, were deployed immediately. 

🚨 KRISTI NOEM BLASTS CNN

Fox’s @GriffJenkins: “CNN has basically got a report accusing you of slowing the process [to the tragic flooding in Central Texas]. Would you like to respond to that?”

DHS Secretary @KristiNoem: “There you go. Fake News CNN again is absolutely trash… pic.twitter.com/0y1DWDN6J2

— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) July 10, 2025

She emphasized a rapid federal response, noting President Trump approved a Major Disaster Declaration hours after Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s request. DHS claimed that by Tuesday, FEMA had 311 staffers on the ground, supporting hundreds, and that Noem’s approach prioritized state-led recovery, providing funds faster than ever.

DHS’s statement on X further labeled CNN’s reporting as “activist journalism,” claiming Noem worked tirelessly in Texas to meet responders’ needs and that the response saved over 900 lives. However, the statement did not directly dispute CNN’s timeline of the 72-hour delay for USAR teams. A DHS spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, told CNN that other DHS assets, like the Coast Guard, were used initially, reducing the need for immediate FEMA reinforcements.

Critics, including FEMA officials, expressed frustration, noting that USAR teams, trained for catastrophic floods, were not pre-positioned as is typical, due to Noem’s cost-control measures. The policy, part of broader Trump administration efforts to reform FEMA and shift disaster response to states, has raised concerns within the agency about its ability to act swiftly as hurricane and wildfire seasons approach.

Senate to Vote on Public Broadcasting Cuts

Next week, the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate will vote on President Donald Trump’s proposal to cut $9.4 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting funding, setting the stage for a clash with Democrats that could disrupt annual budget negotiations. 

Reuters reports Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) indicated the vote could occur as early as Tuesday, stating, “It’ll have to be fairly early in the week, probably Tuesday.”

The Senate faces a July 18 deadline to act on the rescissions package, which seeks to cancel previously approved congressional funding. If it expires, the White House must follow existing spending plans. 

Historically, standalone rescissions have failed, as Congress guards its constitutional authority over spending—evidenced by the rejection of Trump’s $15 billion cut proposal in 2018. However, with narrow Republican majorities in both chambers, opposition to Trump’s agenda is limited. Last week, Congress passed Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” funding his domestic priorities, cutting taxes, and potentially reducing healthcare coverage for millions.

The rescissions bill narrowly passed the House (214-212), with four Republicans joining 208 Democrats in opposition. In the Senate, some Republicans are wary of cuts to programs like AIDS relief, global women’s and children’s health, and rural U.S. broadcasters, and amendments are expected to address these concerns. 

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) warned that the cuts threaten bipartisan budget talks, complicating the passage of spending bills needed by September 30 to avoid a government shutdown. While appropriations bills require 60 votes, the rescissions package needs only 51, allowing Republicans to pass it without Democratic support.

A March 2025 Pew Research Center poll showed 69% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents support continued federal funding for NPR and PBS, compared to just 19% of Republicans. Democrats argue that public media’s role in providing balanced news, educational content, and emergency alerts justifies its $1.50 per American annual cost, especially in areas with limited media access.