The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear consolidated cases challenging massive FCC fines against Verizon and AT&T, deciding whether the Federal Communications Commission can impose large civil penalties without a jury trial — a ruling that could significantly limit the agency's (and potentially other regulators') enforcement powers.
The cases stem from nearly $200 million in penalties the FCC levied in 2024 against major wireless carriers for illegally sharing access to customers' real-time location data with third parties without proper consent. Verizon was fined nearly $47 million, AT&T $57 million, T-Mobile $80 million (plus $12 million for former subsidiary Sprint), with the carriers accused of failing to adequately protect or obtain consent for sharing sensitive geolocation information.Verizon and AT&T appealed, arguing the FCC's administrative process violates the Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial.
This follows the Supreme Court's 2024 6-3 decision in SEC v. Jarkesy, which struck down the Securities and Exchange Commission's use of in-house tribunals for civil fraud penalties requiring jury trials in federal court.
Appellate courts split on the issue: The 2nd Circuit (New York) upheld the FCC's fine against Verizon, finding no violation because companies could refuse payment and force a jury trial via DOJ collection action. The 5th Circuit (New Orleans) sided with AT&T, invalidating the fine and ruling that the FCC's initial penalty assessment deprived defendants of their constitutional jury right before any court involvement.
The conflicting rulings prompted appeals: Verizon sought Supreme Court review of the 2nd Circuit decision, while the FCC (via Solicitor General) appealed the 5th Circuit's AT&T ruling. The justices granted certiorari on January 9, 2026, to resolve the circuit split.
The government warns that a ruling against the FCC "deprives the Commission of one of its most important regulatory remedies and severely impairs the agency’s ability to enforce federal communications law." A decision is expected by June 2026, amid the Court's ongoing scrutiny of federal agency authority following the overturning of Chevron deference and other limits on regulatory power.
HOT 97 has launched a new era in its morning programming with Bronx-born comedian and media personality The Kid Mero (Joel Martinez) as host of HOT 97 Mornings with Mero, premiering Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and airing weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. ET.
The announcement, made Monday by MediaCo-owned HOT 97 (WQHT-FM)—New York’s #1 multicultural station regardless of language—positions Mero in the iconic morning drive-time slot. He succeeds Ebro in the Morning, the long-running show hosted by Ebro Darden alongside Peter Rosenberg and Laura Stylez, which ended in December 2025 after nearly 13 years.
Mero, a New York Times best-selling author, Writers Guild Award winner, and Variety “Comic to Watch,” brings his signature sharp wit, unfiltered humor, and deep cultural roots to the airwaves. Known for co-hosting the acclaimed Desus & Mero series on Viceland and Showtime (until its 2022 end), he currently hosts the podcast Victory Light with The Kid Mero and co-hosts 7PM in Brooklyn with NBA Hall-of-Famer Carmelo Anthony."HOT 97 is the station—it's been the voice of NYC hip-hop and culture for decades," Mero said in the announcement.
"I grew up listening to Hot 97, so to get the morning slot here isn’t just a job—it’s a responsibility to continue that legacy while bringing it into this next era of media. We’re gonna laugh, we’re gonna get into it, but it’s always gonna be real, and a real good time!"The show promises Mero’s commentary on culture, sports, music, and current events, plus interviews with major artists, athletes, and influencers—all delivered in his authentic, energetic style that resonates with New York audiences.
Our new host has arrived.⁰ Join Mero for his first day on air Tuesday | 6AM–10AM 🎙️⁰ HOT 97 Mornings with Mero, weekdays 6AM–10AM@THEKIDMEROpic.twitter.com/oYdV199O8p
MediaCo executives hailed the move as fitting for the station’s evolution.
“This is a new era for HOT 97, one that reflects both where the culture is and where it’s going,” said CEO Albert Rodriguez. “As the most listened-to station in hip-hop, we’re proud to announce The Kid Mero, Bronx-born comedian and cultural voice who’s captured a generation with his sharp wit and authenticity, as our new morning show host.”
EVP of Content & Growth Kudjo Sogadzi added: “HOT 97 has always been the city’s pulse, and Mero embodies that energy. He’s authentic, fearless, and deeply rooted in the community. His mornings will set the tone for listeners across New York.”
The launch follows a strong 2025 for MediaCo, with HOT 97 expanding its influence across radio, Hot TV, and digital platforms. Listeners can tune in starting Tuesday on 97.1 FM in New York, the HOT 97 app, and streaming services.
Audacy has appointed John Allers as the new Brand Manager for its popular Hot AC station KLLC (Alice @ 97.3) in San Francisco, effective immediately.
Allers, who also serves as Audacy's Regional VP of Programming, steps into the role previously held by Michael Martin. Martin has shifted his full focus to his national position as SVP of Programming and Head of Music Initiatives for Audacy, after leading Alice for many years as part of his 16+ year tenure with the company's San Francisco cluster.The change was communicated to station staff via an internal memo from Kieran Geffert, Audacy's SVP and Market Manager for San Francisco.
John Allers
In the memo, Geffert praised Allers' qualifications and expressed strong support for the transition:
“I’m excited to share that John Allers will be stepping into the role of Brand Manager for Alice 97.3. John is a proven Brand Manager and currently leads LIVE 105 here in San Francisco, as well as KVIL in Dallas. He brings deep operational experience, strong leadership instincts, and a track record of guiding brands with clarity and focus. I have full confidence in his ability to build on Alice’s legacy and help position this iconic brand for its next chapter of success. Please join me in congratulating John as he takes on this expanded role.”
Allers brings extensive experience in programming and brand leadership. He joined Audacy in late 2021 after a long career that included programming the heritage Alternative station Radio 104.5 (WRFF) in Philadelphia for over a decade.
In his current regional role, he has successfully overseen the revival and operation of Live 105 (KITS) in San Francisco—restoring its classic Alternative identity in 2023—while also managing KVIL (Alt 103.7) in Dallas.
This move allows Allers to add oversight of the well-established Alice @ 97.3—a longtime Bay Area favorite known for its contemporary hit music and community engagement—to his portfolio, while continuing to guide Live 105 and KVIL.
The appointment positions one of Audacy's most experienced programming leaders to steer Alice forward, maintaining its strong local presence and legacy in the competitive San Francisco radio market.
105.7 The Fan (WSSP-FM / 1250 AM), an Audacy station in Milwaukee, welcomes back Tim Allen. He will host the new “Brewers Hot Stove Show,” airing weekdays at 5:00 p.m. EST, starting January 14 and running through March 25. Allen will also host a post-game show, adding to the station’s 2026 Brewers coverage, which also includes Tommy Wortz's successful “Lead Off Show.”
“If you're going to be the number one sports radio station in Milwaukee, then you have to have the best coverage of the Brewers,” said Jason Bjorson, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Wisconsin. “Tim Allen is the definitive voice of the franchise's fanbase, and his presence solidifies our commitment to local listeners.”
Tim Allen
"I'm very appreciative to have my post-game show back on The Fan in Milwaukee and now on the Wisconsin Sports Radio Network,” said Allen. “We started this post-game show on The Fan 21 years ago, and to have it continue with them is a pretty special feeling.”
With nearly 40 years of experience, Allen is a veteran of the Wisconsin broadcast industry and has served as the lead host of the Milwaukee Brewers' Post Game Show for the past two decades. His diverse career spans multiple radio formats and a ten-year tenure as a collegiate broadcasting instructor, supplemented by his work as an engaging motivational speaker. He most recently hosted the Post Game Show on 97.3 The Game.
The Fan’s newest post-game show joins a lineup already delivering major ratings wins. December data shows the “Inside Wisconsin Sports Morning Show” ranking third in the men 25–54 demographic, while “The Mason Crosby Show” led the station with peak ratings from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Rounding out the success, “Nine 2 Noon” and “Wisconsin Sports Daily" continue to rank among the top programs in the region.
📻Listeners can tune in to 105.7 The Fan (WSSP-FM / 1250AM) in Milwaukee on air and nationwide on the Audacyapp and website. Fans can also connect with the station on social media via X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
iHeartMedia has appointed Gregg Henson as the new Program Director for News/Talk 1040 WHO in Des Moines, a key heritage station known as "The Voice of Iowa" for its trusted news, talk, traffic, and severe weather coverage.
The announcement, made Monday, positions Henson to lead programming at one of Iowa's most respected news/talk outlets, building on its strong foundation of local voices and high-quality content that listeners depend on daily.
Henson expressed enthusiasm about the role, stating, “I’m incredibly excited to return to iHeartMedia and work with the legendary staff at NewsRadio 1040 WHO.”
Gregg Henson
iHeartMedia executives welcomed the hire. EVP/Programming Steve Geoffries noted that Henson’s experience and leadership will support the station’s team in maintaining its reputation for reliable programming. Nebraska/Iowa Area President Jen Stocker added that Henson’s passion, strategic vision, and commitment to strong local content align perfectly with the company’s mission to deliver top-tier service to Des Moines and surrounding communities.
Henson brings extensive experience in news/talk radio, along with on-air and programming roles across formats. He most recently served as morning show host at Cumulus Media’s Classic Rock 97 WLAV in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he co-hosted until last fall.
Prior to that, he held programming leadership positions at heritage news/talk stations, including Audacy’s WRVA in Richmond, Virginia (where he oversaw both WRVA news/talk and sports sister station WRNL), and earlier roles at WOWO in Fort Wayne, Indiana—a well-known news/talk heritage brand.
His career also includes stops in major and mid-sized markets such as Detroit (WDFN, WXYT), Pittsburgh (WPGB, WBGG), Philadelphia (WPEN), Dallas (KRLD-FM), Austin (KVET), and others, spanning news/talk, sports talk, and music formats.
This move marks a return to iHeartMedia for Henson, who previously programmed stations within the company, and positions him to guide 1040 WHO’s continued focus on local engagement, news, and talk in the Des Moines market.
WUWM 89.7 – Milwaukee’s NPR (WUWM), Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) and WXPR announced today that they have entered a partnership to share news content among the three stations.
WUWM, WPR and WXPR will share reporting on issues vital to communities across Wisconsin, with a particular focus on the environment and natural resources.
“We are so excited about this partnership because it speaks directly to our shared public service mission to serve our communities with journalism that is relevant, trusted and responsive to what people are telling us they need,” WUWM’s general manager David Lee said.
“Our friends and neighbors across Wisconsin want more environmental and climate reporting, and by sharing our reporting and amplifying one another’s work, we can deepen our shared impact and more fully support the communities we serve,” he continued.
The Wisconsin News Collaborative will focus on delivering inspired and engaging news coverage to listeners and readers statewide.
Director of Wisconsin Public Radio Sarah Ashworth said, “This new partnership marks an exciting opportunity for public media to work together to serve all our state's communities. Together we will more fully meet our mission to provide Wisconsin with high quality journalism and stories that help us understand each other better.”
The loss of federal funding in 2025 to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting prompted leaders at these organizations to think creatively about how to expand awareness of and strengthen public media in the state.
Jessie Dick, CEO and general manager of WXPR in Rhinelander said, "Through the Wisconsin News Collaborative, we’re building a more resilient public media system across Wisconsin. We’re excited to partner in this work and to bring even more high-quality, trusted reporting to the WXPR audience while sharing the voices and stories of the Northwoods with communities across Wisconsin."
News stories within the collaborative will be produced separately by each organization and distributed to all three stations to reach individuals across the different markets. All stories will be identified as being from the Wisconsin News Collaborative with each local reporter’s byline and listeners can expect to hear these stories on the air and find them on each organization’s website.
ESPN's coverage of the 2025-26 NBA regular season has delivered one of its strongest starts ever, with the first 21 games through Christmas Day averaging 2.6 million viewers on ESPN networks—a 35% increase from last season, according to Nielsen Big Data Plus Panel data.
This marks the second-highest viewership levels in the network's NBA history for a full regular season, trailing only the 2010-11 campaign (excluding the shortened, nontraditional 2011-12 lockout and 2020-21 pandemic seasons).
Key demographic gains include:
Viewers aged P2-17 up 45%
Women up 47%
Hispanic audiences up 37%
ESPN networks aired seven of the top 10 most-watched NBA games this season, including all five Christmas Day matchups—three of which exceeded 6 million viewers for the first time ever.
Studio programming also saw strong growth:
"Inside the NBA" (TNT import now on ESPN/ABC) averaging 1.2 million viewers through Christmas
"NBA Countdown" averaging 582,000 viewers, up 20% from last year's regular-season average
"NBA Today" averaging 361,000 viewers, up 26% year-over-year
The surge aligns with the NBA's new 11-year, $76 billion media rights deals (starting 2025-26) with ESPN, NBCUniversal, and Prime Video, following major increases negotiated in 2024.
The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) has announced that Judge Judy Sheindlin will receive the Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award during the BFOA Gala on Monday, March 9 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to an individual who has made invaluable contributions to the broadcast industry.
Judge Sheindlin transitioned from presiding in NYC Family Court in 1996 to creating her landmark syndicated program “Judge Judy,” which was the #1 program in all of syndication for most of its historic 25-year run. In recognition of her achievement, she was the recipient of four Emmy awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award. In another first in television, she created “Judy Justice” for Amazon, a two-time Emmy Award winner, as well as “Justice on Trial “and “Tribunal Justice.” She is also the creator of “Hot Bench” now in its 12th season on CBS. In 2026, she will executive produce “Adam’s Law” for CBS.
Judge Judy
“Judy’s no-nonsense approach to legal disputes has provided riveting television entertainment to millions of viewers across America,” said Tim McCarthy, President of the Broadcasters Foundation. “We are proud to recognize her many accomplishments and contributions to broadcasting.”
Judge Sheindlin has been honored for her groundbreaking work with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She received the Gracie Allen Tribute Award from American Women in Radio and Television for her contributions to the broadcasting industry. She was also the recipient of the Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award. Judge Sheindlin was inducted into the prestigious Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame for her contributions to the TV business.
To purchase tickets to the Broadcasters Foundation Gala, please click here. For more information about the Broadcasters Foundation, including how to apply for aid or make a donation, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org, or contact 212-373-8250 or info@thebfoa.org.
➦In 1905..."Scientific America" published an advertisement for the "Telimco", a device guaranteed to received signals for as far as one mile. It cost $7.50.
The Telimco system included a battery-operated spark transmitter, shown on the left, plus a tapping-coherer receiver, also battery operated, shown on the right. (The use of a spark transmitter and tapping-coherer receiver meant it could only be used to send and receive telegraphic dots-and-dashes, and not full audio.) This small ad--which measured just 2-1/4 inches wide by 1-1/8 inches high (60 by 28 millimeters)--appeared on the back pages of the magazine, mixed in with the advertisements for sundry offering by numerous other small firms. It is generally believed that this was the first-ever advertisement run by a company selling complete radio systems to the general public.
The Telimco brand name was a contraction of The Electro Importing Co. In addition to Telimco Wireless Telegraph Outfits, you could also buy Telimco Experimental X-Ray Outfits, Telimco-meters, Telimphones, etc.
➦In 1910...Opera was first aired during an experimental broadcast, courtesy of the New York Metropolitan Opera.
The first public radio broadcast consisted of performances of Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci. Riccardo Martin performed as Turridu, Emmy Destinn as Santuzza, and Enrico Caruso as Canio. The conductor was Egisto Tango. This wireless radio transmission event of the Italian tenor Enrico Caruso of a concert from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City is regarded as the birth of public radio broadcasting.
The New York Times reported on January 14, 1910,
"Opera broadcast in part from the stage of the New York City Metropolitan Opera Company was heard on January 13, 1910, when Enrico Caruso and Emmy Destinn sang arias from Cavalleria Rusticana and I Pagliacci, which were "trapped and magnified by the dictograph directly from the stage and borne by wireless Hertzian waves over the turbulent waters of the sea to transcontinental and coastwise ships and over the mountainous peaks and undulating valleys of the country." The microphone was connected by telephone wire to the laboratory of Dr. Lee De Forest. ”
The few radio receivers able to pick up this first-ever "outside broadcast" were those at the De Forest Radio Laboratory, on board ships in New York Harbor, in large hotels on Times Square and at New York city locations where members of the press were stationed at receiving sets. Public receivers with earphones had been set up in several well-advertised locations throughout New York City. There were members of the press stationed at various receiving sets throughout the city and the general public was invited to listen to the broadcast.
The experiment was considered mostly unsuccessful. The microphones of the day were of poor quality and couldn't pick up most of the singing done on stage. Only off-stage singers singing directly into a microphone could be heard clearly. The New York Times reported the next day that static and interference kept the homeless song waves from finding themselves.
➦In 1913...producer/host Ralph Edwards was born near Merino Colorado. Best known as producer/host of TV’s This is Your Life, he came to prominence as the host of radio’s zany Truth or Consequences, a game show which ran for 38 years on radio & TV. As producer he brought to the airwaves TV’s The People’s Court, still on the air 25 years later. He died of congestive heart failure Nov. 25 1997 at age 84.
➦In 1918...actor Steve Dunne was born in Northampton Mass. He succeeded Howard Duff on radio as the star of The Adventures of Sam Spade. On TV he starred in the series Professional Father & The Brothers Brannigan, and appeared repeatedly on Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Brady Bunch, The Millionaire & Lux Video Theatre. He died Sept. 2 1977 at age 59.
➦In 1922...WHA 970 AM in Madison, Wisconsin began broadcasting.
WHA's history dates back to 1914 when Professor Edward Bennett started using the call sign 9XM. A year later, the call sign was transferred to the University of Wisconsin and used for many experiments in the physics department. Professor Earle M. Terry managed many of these tests, and he eventually decided that the station should start making regular weather broadcasts. From December 4, 1916 onward, the station transmitted regular reports in Morse code.
While most early radio stations in the United States were shut down when the country entered World War I, 9XM's early transmissions were considered important enough to continue, spending much of the war broadcasting weather information to ships sailing on the Great Lakes.
Regularly scheduled audio broadcasts began in February 1920. A six-day-per-week schedule began on January 3, 1921, notable for the introduction of the first radio broadcast of a weather forecast. The station received its WHA call sign on January 13, 1922.
➦In 1928… Ernst F. W. Alexanderson gave the first public demonstration of television at Schenectady NY, using a perforated scanning disk and high-frequency neon lamps.The first public demonstration of television was given by Ernst F. W. Alexanderson.
➦In 1934...a comedy-variety hit of early radio The Al Pearce Show debuted on NBC Blue, after 5 successful years on KFRC San Francisco.
➦In 1958...St. Louis radio station KWK (now KXFN 1380 AM) declared Rock n’ Roll dead. After giving their rock records a final play, the station staff broke them.
Cumulus Media today announced Dan Bongino’s return to the podcasting world with the relaunch of The Dan Bongino Show. Beginning February 2, 2026, The Dan Bongino Show will be a two-hour podcast that will drop daily, Monday – Friday from 10 am – 12 pm ET. The video livestream will be available exclusively on Rumble with recorded audio available on all major podcast platforms. Westwood One is the exclusive sales partner for The Dan Bongino Show.
In March 2025, Bongino stepped away from his flagship radio show and podcast to join President Trump’s administration as the Deputy Director of the FBI. This past week, Bongino announced his return to his podcast, with new insights, a sharp message, fiery debates and a perspective few can offer.
The relaunch marks Bongino’s most extensive digital commitment to date, designed to meet increasing audience demand for long-form and in-depth content. The two-hour format strengthens the show’s position as a major voice in independent media, offering a highly engaging, daily destination for listeners seeking headline analysis, guest interviews, cultural commentary, and special “Bongino Army” segments.
“I'm excited to get back behind the mic and reconnect directly with the audience,” said Bongino. “This show has always been about cutting through the noise and talking honestly about what matters. We’re coming back bigger, bolder, and always unfiltered — exactly how people want it.”
Collin Jones, President of Westwood One and the Cumulus Podcast Network, praised Bongino’s return: “Dan Bongino is back! Few voices in talk media command the loyalty and firepower that Dan brings. His audience? Formidable. His influence? Undeniable. This promises to be an incredible journey as Dan drives the national conversation daily on the most important issues at hand, with authority that has been hard-fought and well-earned. Westwood One is beyond proud to help power the next chapter of The Dan Bongino Show.”
Paramount Skydance is seeking a strategic partner to invest in MTV and help revive the network by refocusing it on music, according to reports from Bloomberg and other outlets.
The company has hired financial advisors to identify potential partners—major music industry companies or figures—who would provide capital while contributing assets such as music rights, catalogs, or direct ties to top artists. Discussions are preliminary and ongoing, with no deals confirmed; a Paramount spokesperson declined to comment.
The effort aims to reinvent MTV for a digital era, shifting away from its recent dominance by reality programming (such as RuPaul's Drag Race) back toward music-centric content that leverages the brand's iconic legacy as a pioneer in music videos and artist-driven shows.
The move aligns with Paramount's broader 2026 strategy under CEO David Ellison, including over $1.5 billion committed to programming across streaming, UFC, originals, film slate expansion (targeting at least 15 movies annually), and catalog licensing—rather than spinning off or selling cable assets outright.
MTV has faced severe audience erosion in the cable landscape. Nielsen data shows the network averaged fewer than 200,000 primetime viewers in 2025, with recent weekly figures often dipping to around 125,000 or lower, reflecting broader industry trends as viewers shift to streaming platforms.
While talks remain early-stage and could result in no partnership, the initiative represents Paramount's push to revitalize one of its core legacy brands amid ongoing media consolidation and changing consumption habits.
Paramount Skydance, led by CEO David Ellison, has escalated its aggressive pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) by filing a lawsuit in Delaware Chancery Court on January 12, 2026. The suit seeks to compel WBD to disclose detailed financial information related to its $82.7–$83 billion deal with Netflix, particularly how the company has valued its cable networks and other assets that are slated for a spin-off into a new publicly traded entity called Discovery Global later in 2026.
This legal action follows WBD's board repeatedly rejecting Paramount's all-cash hostile takeover offer of $30 per share (valuing WBD at approximately $108.4 billion), most recently in early January 2026. WBD has favored Netflix's proposal, which involves selling its studio, streaming (including HBO and Max), and related assets to Netflix while spinning off the cable division—comprising networks like CNN, TNT Sports, TBS, HGTV, Food Network, and Discovery+—as Discovery Global.
WBD argues this structure unlocks greater value for shareholders, especially from the cable assets, which it sees as having significant standalone potential. In contrast, Paramount has repeatedly downplayed the worth of those cable properties, at times valuing the spin-off at just $1 per share or even $0, citing factors like declining linear TV performance and comparisons to other recent cable spin-offs (such as Comcast's Versant).
In an open letter to WBD shareholders released alongside the lawsuit filing, David Ellison sharply criticized WBD for a "lack of transparency." He specifically highlighted the company's failure to disclose key details, including:How it valued the "Global Networks stub equity" (the remaining cable assets post-spin-off).
This move marks a significant intensification in the months-long battle for control of WBD's assets, which began with Paramount's unsolicited bids in late 2025 and has since involved multiple rejections, revised offers (including personal guarantees from Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, David's father), and a shift to hostile tactics. The outcome could hinge on shareholder sentiment, potential proxy fights, and the Delaware court's ruling on the disclosure demands.
Doug James, the longtime morning co-host on Cumulus Media's country station K105 (WQXK-FM) in Youngstown, Ohio, has passed away. The announcement was made on Monday, by his on-air partner of over three decades, MaryAnn Graff. He was 71.
James had been with K105 since 1989, joining the station shortly after its establishment under Cumulus ownership (which acquired it in 2000).
He and Graff formed the "Hometown Morning Show" (also known as Doug & MaryAnn) starting in 1991, making them a staple of local radio in the Mahoning Valley region, including Youngstown, Salem, and surrounding areas in northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania. The duo was known for their community-focused, engaging style, waking listeners with country music, local news, and personality-driven content.
He and Graff regularly hosted the station's annual Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon, raising significant funds—such as over $145,000 in 2023 and $147,000+ in 2024—for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
These efforts contributed to K105's long-term total of more than $4.5 million for the cause since 1990.The news was reported locally by WKBN, highlighting his enduring presence on the airwaves. Details about the cause of death or funeral arrangements have not been publicly detailed in initial reports. His passing marks the end of a remarkable radio career that spanned more than 35 years at the station, leaving a legacy as a beloved "hometown" voice in Youngstown's country music scene. Condolences go out to his family, friends, co-workers at Cumulus Youngstown, and the many listeners he connected with over the years.
As of January 12, 2026, there are no major breaking headlines or disruptive events specifically shaking up radio broadcasting on this exact date (e.g., no large-scale mergers, FCC emergency actions, major station sales, or widespread technical outages reported in key industry sources).
However, several ongoing and recent developments in the radio/media sector are relevant around this time:
Regulatory compliance deadlines are top of mind for broadcasters. Full-power AM/FM radio stations (along with TV/Class A outlets) had a key deadline to upload their Quarterly Issues/Programs Lists to the FCC's Online Public Inspection File. This covers Q4 2025 programming and typically falls on the 10th of the month but often extends to the next business day (like January 12 if on a weekend). This is a routine but critical obligation to demonstrate public interest service.
Ongoing FCC enforcement scrutiny continues, with the U.S. Supreme Court set to hear arguments that could impact the agency's fine-imposition authority (e.g., in cases involving unlicensed operations or other violations). This stems from broader constitutional challenges and could affect how the FCC handles radio compliance issues like pirate broadcasting or rule violations in the future.
Industry momentum from early January includes iHeartMedia highlighting new platform integrations at CES 2026 to expand access to radio, podcasts, and music. Broader trends point to radio's relatively stable outlook for 2026 (smallest projected decline among traditional media per forecasts like Borrell Associates), driven by stronger digital sales, integrations, and local focus.
Personnel and programming notes from recent days/weeks: Moves like Julia Lepidi's exit from Audacy (ending her syndicated show), and Westwood One (Cumulus) providing NFL Wild Card audio coverage over the weekend (including games potentially wrapping around January 12). NAB's 2025 year-in-review (released around this time) emphasizes pushes for AM radio preservation in vehicles and ownership rule modernization.
Broader media context: Some commentary notes challenges for traditional media in 2026 (e.g., economic pressures or consolidation talks), but radio appears positioned with emphasis on innovation, AI tools for operations/sales, and local trust amid digital shifts.
NAB's 2025 Year-in-Review Released: The National Association of Broadcasters highlights successes in advocacy, including strong support for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (bipartisan push to preserve AM in cars, awaiting floor votes), efforts to modernize ownership rules (with nearly 239,000 public messages sent), and promotion of the Local Radio Freedom Act against performance royalties. They also note 25 years of their Broadcast Leadership Training Program.
TechCES 2026 Follow-Up: Discussions continue from the show on AI tools for operations, sales, content enhancement, and real-time metrics to boost advertiser ROI. Radio pros seek tech for better production, metadata/graphics in listening experiences, and cost efficiencies amid digital integration.
Revenue and Outlook: Audio/programmatic ads are projected to grow, with forecasts showing digital comprising a larger share (e.g., ~25% in some segments). Broader media faces pressures (e.g., NPR pieces on an "ominous" 2026 for movies/news/entertainment due to policy shifts, DEI pushback, ownership changes, and audience power), but radio emphasizes local trust, innovation, and resilience.
Personnel/Programming: Recent moves include station hires (e.g., Sandra Parrish for weekends/local news in Georgia country radio), NAB promotions (e.g., in communications/social media), and ongoing NFL Wild Card audio coverage via Westwood One (Cumulus), which wrapped games over the weekend into early this week.
Top World/International News Headlines
Iran crackdown death toll surpasses 500: Rights groups report over 500 killed (including protesters and security forces) in ongoing nationwide unrest and regime crackdowns. Protests persist in Tehran and other cities, with Tehran issuing threats targeting the U.S. amid solidarity actions abroad.
U.S. foreign policy developments: President Trump issues a warning to Cuba amid escalating tensions; continued U.S. reactions to situations in Venezuela (including recent interventions/captures drawing historical parallels to past operations like Panama in 1989).
Immigration-related protests: Ongoing demonstrations in Minnesota over a recent shooting involving immigration enforcement authorities.
Mortgage rate trends and economic outlooks for early 2026; political discussions on governance, policy shifts, and potential avoidance of shutdowns.
Top Sports Headlines
NFL Playoffs – Wild Card Round conclusion: The final game tonight features the (5) Houston Texans at (4) Pittsburgh Steelers (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC) to wrap the wild-card round. Recent highlights include the Chicago Bears' stunning comeback upset over the Green Bay Packers (third-largest fourth-quarter playoff comeback in NFL history) and other close wins advancing teams like the Buffalo Bills.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent during a heated CNN interview with Jake Tapper on Sunday, January 11, 2026, standing by her initial claim that Good's actions constituted "domestic terrorism" just hours after the incident.
In the combative State of the Union exchange, Tapper repeatedly challenged Noem on why the Trump administration rushed to label the January 7 shooting as justified self-defense and accused Good of attempting to "weaponize" her vehicle against agents—claims disputed by video evidence, eyewitnesses, Minneapolis officials, and critics who say the footage shows Good's car turning away slowly with no clear imminent threat.
Noem insisted her statements were "proven factual," accused Tapper and media of distorting events, and announced a surge of "hundreds" more ICE officers to Minneapolis amid ongoing protests. She dodged direct comparisons to January 6, 2021, Capitol violence when Tapper played footage, pivoting to criticize Democratic rhetoric and media bias.
Kristi Noem DESTROYS CNN's Jake Tapper when he tries to shame her for calling Renee Good a domestic terrorist.
The interview highlighted deep national divisions over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement, including mass deportation operations that sparked protests in multiple cities.
The shooting occurred Wednesday. Good, a U.S. citizen, poet, writer, and mother of three (including a 6-year-old), was in her Honda Pilot SUV. Federal officials claim she impeded agents and posed a threat by moving her vehicle toward an officer. Video shows her car positioned diagonally, with sounds of honking; agents approached, and ICE agent Jonathan Ross fired multiple shots, killing her.
Within roughly two hours, DHS released a statement from Noem defending the agent, labeling Good's actions "domestic terrorism," and asserting self-defense—prompting accusations of prejudging the case before any independent probe.
Protests erupted nationwide starting January 7 evening, with vigils, marches, and clashes in Minneapolis, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and elsewhere. Thousands gathered over the weekend, chanting against ICE and demanding accountability. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the federal narrative "bullshit" and urged ICE to leave the city; Gov. Tim Walz proclaimed a "Renee Good Day."
🔥🚨BREAKING: Sec. Kristi Noem tells CNN that Tim Walz and Jacob Frey need to "GROW-UP! "
They are LITTLE BOYS! GROW A PAIR! 🔥
"I would encourage them to GROW UP, get some MATURITY, act like people who are responsible, who want people to be safe and the right thing be done."… pic.twitter.com/cht6Q0rj4q
The FBI is leading the investigation, but state and local officials have been largely sidelined, raising concerns about impartiality.
The Trump administration's response has been unwavering support for ICE: President Trump described Good as a "high-level agitator" and part of a "left-wing network"; Vice President Vance echoed claims of threats to agents; and officials tied the incident to broader border security justifications. Noem and others have refused to retract statements, framing the event as part of combating interference with law enforcement.
Investigations continue, with experts questioning the "domestic terrorism" label as potentially inflammatory and unsupported. A GoFundMe for Good's family raised over $1.5 million, while some supporters launched efforts for the ICE agent.
The fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026, has sparked nationwide outrage, protests, and sharply divided interpretations of video evidence, highlighting how footage no longer produces a shared "seeing is believing" consensus in today's polarized media landscape.
Multiple videos from bystanders and agents show conflicting accounts: federal officials and the Trump administration claim the agent acted in self-defense after Good allegedly tried to run him over with her SUV in an act of "domestic terrorism," while eyewitnesses, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Governor Tim Walz, and many others call the shooting unjustified, with Frey dismissing the federal narrative as "bullshit" and demanding ICE leave the city. The incident—occurring near the site of George Floyd's 2020 murder—has fueled protests, school closures, vigils, and FBI takeover of the investigation.
Journalists face a growing dilemma: even detailed reporting struggles to shift viewers' preconceived views when the same visuals yield radically different conclusions—self-defense for some, an unjustified killing for others.
Local outlets like Minnesota Public Radio, the Star Tribune, and Minnesota Reformer emphasized eyewitness testimony (including claims of agents giving contradictory commands like "drive away" and "get out"), community impact, protests, and leader responses.
The Star Tribune named the agent, Jonathan Ross (previously injured in a 2025 vehicle incident), early on. The Reformer obtained interior photos of Good's vehicle showing aftermath.
National coverage from The New York Times, ABC News, Reuters, and others placed the shooting in the context of intensified Trump-era ICE operations in cities, recent use-of-force incidents, and Good's background as a U.S. citizen, mother (of three, including a 6-year-old), poet, writer, and creative writing graduate who was reportedly supporting neighbors or acting as a legal observer.
CNN highlighted unresolved questions about the full sequence of events and potential consequences for the agent. Commentators like Brian Stelter noted video now often acts as a Rorschach test, reflecting viewers' biases rather than settling facts, while others described the story entering the "partisan wringer" immediately.
The coverage underscores journalism's limits in a fractured environment: well-resourced visual investigation teams can scrutinize footage, but many outlets simply relay conflicting interpretations.
The fatal shooting last week of Renee Nicole Good during a large-scale federal immigration enforcement operation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in south Minneapolis continues to be highly politicized, with starkly contrasting accounts amplified through media coverage, social media, official statements, and dueling videos.
This has fueled intense debate about truth, propaganda, and narrative control. Federal/Trump administration account (via DHS, ICE, President Trump on Truth Social, Vice President JD Vance, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem): The agent (later identified as Jonathan Ross, a 10-year veteran who had been dragged by a vehicle in a prior 2025 incident) acted in self-defense. They described Good "weaponizing" her vehicle in an attempt to run over officers—an "act of domestic terrorism."
So, Ed likes to show this video and talk about "accountability". What he does not show you is the actual bodycam footage of the evidence from Agent Ross' perspective.
A bodycam-style video from the agent's perspective (released later and shared by conservative outlets like Alpha News) was cited to support this, with Vance calling the shooting "a tragedy of her own making" and blaming "left-wing radicals," Democrats, and media for misreporting.
Local/state officials and witnesses (including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Governor Tim Walz, Police Chief Brian O'Hara, and bystanders):
They rejected the federal version as "propaganda," "garbage," or "bullshit," pointing to bystander videos showing no clear imminent threat from the vehicle before shots were fired.
Walz urged people not to believe the "propaganda machine"
Frey demanded ICE leave the city. They emphasized Good was a non-target resident "caring for neighbors" and that the death was preventable.
The media's role has been pivotal—and controversial—in this divide:
Mainstream outlets (CNN, NYT, Guardian, NBC, AP, etc.) have highlighted the conflicting footage, local disputes of federal claims, protests/vigils, and calls for independent investigation. They've reported on Good's background (poet/writer/mom, recent transplant) and the broader context of Trump's immigration crackdown in Minnesota (linked to welfare fraud allegations in some communities).
Conservative media and administration allies have accused mainstream coverage of bias, lies, or advancing a political narrative against law enforcement, while promoting the agent's video as definitive proof.
Social media has spread rapid misinformation, including fabricated/AI-generated images purporting to show the agent's face (unmasked or with tattoos), misidentifying unrelated people (e.g., Minnesota Star Tribune publisher Steve Grove) as the shooter (leading to threats), and fake photos of the interaction.
Fact-checkers (BBC Verify, AP, NYT) have debunked many of these. This has sparked nationwide protests against ICE, school closures in Minneapolis due to safety concerns, and calls for accountability (including threats to defund or investigate DHS).
The FBI is investigating, but tensions remain high over access to evidence and narrative dominance.
