SiriusXM Radio will have to change its cancellation practices in New York state after a court said it created a burdensome procedure for consumers and subscribers, according to New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The Wall Street Journal reports the ruling issued by Justice Lyle Frank of the New York Supreme Court in New York County said the audio platform part of SiriusXM Holdings violated the federal Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act. Specifically, SiriusXM Radio created hurdles around cancellation that were more complicated than the sign-up process.
“While the court found some technical violations of a federal statute, it did not find that SiriusXM ever deceived anyone or committed any fraud. SiriusXM intends to appeal the court’s ruling as to those technical violations,” said the company.
“My office sued SiriusXM to protect consumers, and as a result of our actions, they will have to simplify their cancellation process to stop taking advantage of New Yorkers,” James said Friday.
James in December sued SiriusXM Radio over its subscription and cancellation practices. An investigation by the attorney general’s office at the time said it found that subscribers were forced to call or chat online with an agent to cancel a subscription, which was then deliberately drawn out as part of a strategy to prevent subscribers from canceling.
Due to the decision, SiriusXM will have to make sure that customers in New York state have a simple way to cancel their subscriptions and are no longer required to speak or work with a live agent to cancel, James said.
President Biden’s administration used $267 million of your money to study “misinformation” since he took office, a new report reveals — as President-elect Donald Trump vows to purge the term from the federal lexicon and make sweeping spending cuts.
The cash doled out to universities, nonprofits and companies peaked at $126 million in 2021 while US public health officials were imposing mandates they later admitted had no scientific basis, the taxpayer-transparency group OpenTheBooks said in its report Friday.
The scope of the “misinformation” grant-making emerged as Trump’s advisory Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) looks for areas to trim wasteful spending.
“When it comes to government spending, the truth is often stranger than fiction,” entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who is leading the DOGE with billionaire Elon Musk, told The NY Post regarding the findings.
“We’re gearing up to fix the egregious waste of taxpayer dollars,” Ramaswamy said.
OpenTheBooks, which was founded by Republican budget hawks, does not account for the cost of in-house efforts by the Biden White House and various executive branch agencies to fight purportedly incorrect speech, including by pressuring social media companies to censor content.
Proponents of fighting alleged “misinformation” argue that it’s in the public’s interest to weed out false claims — with Biden personally accusing social media companies of “killing people” by platforming posts critiquing the COVID-19 vaccine in 2021, as anti-“misinformation” spending surged.
Opponents of speech-policing argue it both violates the First Amendment and prevents vigorous debate and competing narratives that allow for a more full understanding of issues of public concern.
Critics also note that much of what is initially deemed “misinformation” later turns out to gain evidentiary support, such as the theory that COVID-19 leaked from a Chinese lab that was doing risky US-funded “gain of function” research.
Another example is the fact that mandated masks, vaccination, social distancing and economic shutdowns were largely ineffective due to evolving COVID-19 variants or had significant side-effects and unintended social consequences.
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Friday to decide the legality of a congressionally authorized fund operated by the FCC to expand access to telecommunications services in a challenge accusing Congress of unlawfully delegating its authority to an independent federal agency.
Reuters reports the justices took up an appeal by the FCC and a coalition of interest groups and telecommunications firms of a lower court's decision that found Congress violated the U.S. Constitution by empowering the FCC to manage the fund. The court is expected to hear arguments in the case and issue a ruling by the end of June.
Congress in a federal law called the Telecommunications Act of 1996 authorized the FCC to operate the Universal Service Fund to promote broad access to services such as phone and broadband internet.
All telecommunications carriers contribute to the fund, which draws around $9 billion annually. The fund helps to extend service to people in rural areas, provides subsidies for low-income Americans, expands service in Native American tribal lands and assists schools and libraries.
A group of challengers including the conservative group Consumers' Research filed lawsuits against the FCC and the U.S. government, arguing that Congress delegated its revenue-raising function to the FCC in violation of the Constitution. The challengers also argued that the FCC unlawfully transferred its authority to the Universal Service Administrative Company, a private nonprofit that helps the agency administer the fund.
The case involves the non-delegation doctrine, a legal concept that embraces the view that Congress cannot delegate the legislative powers given to it under the Constitution to other entities. The legality of the FCC's handoff of power involves a similar concept known as the private non-delegation doctrine.
The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to review a ruling by the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that found the funding arrangement unconstitutional, granting an appeal by the FCC and various interest groups.
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel hailed the court's decision to hear the agency's appeal.
The exodus of viewers from CNN and MSNBC since the election has been nothing short of staggering, writes Dylan Byers at Puck.
Since November 5, CNN and MSNBC have seen their total audiences decline by 27 percent and 38 percent, respectively, when compared to their 2024 average from the previous 10 months. According to Byers tt’s even worse in primetime, where CNN is down 35 percent and MSNBC is down 47 percent. But the numbers themselves are perhaps even more dispiriting: Since Trump’s victory, CNN has averaged just 368,000 total viewers and 70,000 in the advertiser-relevant 25-to-54 demo, while MSNBC has averaged 527,000 total viewers and just 53,000 in the demo.
The controversy surrounding Scarborough and Brzezinski’s trip to the president-elect’s Florida headquarters started almost immediately after they disclosed the Mar-a-Lago meeting on Monday’s show. According to Nielsen Media Research data, 770,000 total viewers watched the Nov. 18 newscast. On Tuesday, though, only 680,000 total viewers tuned in for a -12% drop.
Wednesday’s show averaged 647,000, a slip of -5% compared to the previous day and -17% since Monday. A source at MSNBC notes to TVNewser that Morning Joe was up +4% in total viewers from Monday to Wednesday compared to the previous week, and that the newscast grew its total viewer audience in every hour from 6-10am across those two days.
According to TV Newser, Wednesday was also the day that Comcast announced the launch of SpinCo, a new publicly traded spinoff company built to house the corporate giant’s struggling cable networks—including MSNBC and CNBC. That would cleave both outlets from the main NBCUniversal News Group and require them to potentially build their own newsgathering operations from the ground-up.
Meanwhile, Fox News has seen its audience surge 41 percent overall and 48 percent in the demo, with an average of 2 million viewers and 267,000 in the demo. Indeed, across every category—total, 25-to-54, and 18-to-49—Fox News now accounts for roughly 70 percent of the total cable news audience since Election Day.
Norah O'Donnell's final day anchoring "CBS Evening News" will arrive after President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, according to USA Today.
In a video posted to her Instagram Story Friday, O'Donnell shared the announcement while filming at the news studio.
"We just announced today that I am going to be anchoring the evening news for another two months, through inauguration day, so hope you'll continue to tune in every night," she said. "Thanks, and happy Thanksgiving."
O’Donnell’s last day is set for Jan. 24, 2025, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who was unauthorized to speak publicly.
The news of the anchor and managing editor's departure date comes more than three months after the journalist announced in a staff call that she would be leaving the station "after this year's election." O'Donnell has headlined the evening show for five years.
Starting Jan. 27, CBS anchors John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois will anchor "Evening News" from the show's new home at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York. CBS News’ chief foreign affairs correspondent and "Face The Nation" host Margaret Brennan is set to anchor political and foreign affairs coverage from Washington D.C.
In her July statement, O'Donnell said she will remain a contributor to "Evening News" and other programs, including "60 Minutes," as a correspondent.
CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon previously said O'Donnell's new role will allow her to "have the real estate and flexibility to leverage big bookings on numerous platforms, including primetime specials, '60 Minutes,' 'CBS News Sunday Morning,' and more."
Audacy Detroit's 99.5 WYCD-FM's The “Rob and Holly Show” Teams Up with LOCASH For Exclusive Thanksgiving Special and Thanking First Responders with Thanksgiving Dinner
This Thanksgiving, Audacy Detroit’s 99.5 WYCD-FM’s “Rob and Holly Show” is partnering with country music stars Chris Lucas and Preston Brust of LOCASH to deliver first responders at the Detroit Police Department’s 10th precinct a full Thanksgiving dinner as a gesture of appreciation for their dedication and service.
In addition to dinner, teddy bears will be provided to officers courtesy of Bear Hug Detroit. This comforting donation will enable officers to share a small gift of comfort with children they encounter in crisis situations. Bear Hug Detroit, a charity founded by Holly, works to equip first responders with teddy bears to comfort children in challenging circumstances.
“Our first responders work tirelessly, often spending holidays away from their families to keep our community safe. We wanted to show our appreciation and bring a bit of the Thanksgiving spirit to them,” said Holly of the “Rob and Holly Show.” “We’re thrilled to have Chris and Preston from LOCASH join us and share this special moment of giving back.”
Chris Lucas and Preston Brust of LOCASH are no strangers to supporting those who serve and protect. “We’re grateful for this opportunity to say thank you to the Detroit Police Department and let them know how much we appreciate what they do every day,” LOCASH shared in a joint statement.
The celebration doesn’t stop there. LOCASH will be featured in an exclusive Thanksgiving special on the “Rob and Holly Show.” This special broadcast will include the duo’s reflections on the importance of supporting first responders, their excitement to connect with Detroit’s vibrant community, heartwarming stories, behind-the-scenes moments and performances that capture the spirit of gratitude and giving.
🦃Country music fans and supporters of law enforcement are invited to tune in for this unforgettable Thanksgiving special taking place November 28th, Thanksgiving Day on Audacy country stations nationwide.
Cumulus Media announces that Cincinnati’s Warm 98.5/WRRM-FM has officially kicked off the Christmas season with a flip to Christmas music, bringing holiday cheer and the season’s best Christmas music to the Tri-State area. The Adult Contemporary station made its annual switch to Christmas music at 4:45pm today with the Andy Williams’ classic, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” The station will play Christmas music through Dec. 25th, 2024.
To help one lucky listener get a jump start on their Christmas shopping, once Warm 98.5 flips to Christmas music, the 98th caller to the station line (513-839-9898) will win $1,000.
Josh Wolff, Program Director, Warm 98.5, said: “Warm 98.5’s Christmas music is a Tri-State tradition, and listeners have been anticipating the switch for months. We’re proud to deliver and once again be part of their holiday celebration.”
🎄To listen to Warm 98.5’s curated soundtrack of the Christmas season 24/7, tune in to Warm 98.5 on-air and online at: https://www.warm98.com/, on the Warm 98.5 app, and on the free iHeartRadio mobile app.
Future Hall of Fame center Jason Kelce is becoming a quarterback of late-night sports entertainment television with They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce on ESPN.
Airing on Friday nights/early Saturday mornings, the new personality-driven, one-hour program will take its inspiration from traditional late-night television, emphasizing a comedic approach throughout all five scheduled episodes which run in conjunction with the finale of the NFL regular season and playoffs.
ESPN will televise the Jason Kelce-fronted show, beginning the night and morning of January 3 and January 4, with each episode also available on ESPN+, ESPN YouTube and the Jason Kelce channel on YouTube presented by ESPN. Replays will air on ESPN2. NFL Films will produce the show in conjunction with Kelce’s Wooderboy Productions and Skydance Sports.
Jason Kelce
They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce will be an immersive experience from Union Transfer in Philadelphia, showcasing the Super Bowl champion’s oversized personality and infectious humor mixed with celebrity guests from the football world and beyond, in front of a live audience of NFL fans. The show’s format will position Kelce and his guests to dissect NFL topics and storylines, mainly focused on that weekend’s games, in both conventional and good-humoredly unconventional approaches including active participation from the fans in attendance.
The five-episode run will premiere hours prior to the NFL’s regular season finale (Week 18) and have consecutive weekly airdates leading into Super Wild Card, Divisional and Conference Championship weekends before the finale ahead of the Pro Bowl Games and nine days from Super Bowl LIX. Kelce officially announced the show on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday, Nov. 21.
Multiplatform Show Debuts on ESPN, Available on ESPN+ and ESPN YouTube
ESPN will air the program at 1 a.m. ET, with the fifth episode beginning at 1:30 a.m. The show will be available on ESPN+, ESPN YouTube, and the Jason Kelce channel on YouTube presented by ESPN following its initial ESPN airing and then will re-air on ESPN2 on Saturday mornings, ahead of the NFL slate. Clips of the show will be actively pushed across social media platforms in real time and the hours following its airing, including on ESPN and Wooderboy handles.
Cumulus Media has announced the launch of a new original podcast series, Liberty and Learning with Mark Levin and Larry Arnn.
The 10-part series, hosted by veteran broadcaster and constitutional law expert, Mark Levin, and his good friend, Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, dives deep into the founding principles of the U.S., as Americans face both crisis and opportunity. Levin and Arnn take listeners on a journey forward, as they unpack the country’s basic foundations and the self-government they require.
Mark Levin and Dr. Arnn bring their knowledge and wisdom to bear in a candid conversation between lifelong friends on today’s latest news events. They will touch on the points of crisis in America, addressing each in light of our constitutional government, and tackling the pressing issues of our time to see how they fit into the grand tapestry of American history. The discussion will delve deep into the issues at the forefront of our nation’s concerns, like education, borders, citizenship, separation of powers, state and local government, and much more.
Find the Liberty and Learning with Mark Levin and Larry Arnn podcast series on The Mark Levin Show podcast feed wherever you listen to podcasts.
Levin said: "Larry Arnn and I have been friends and kindred spirits for 40 years. Our brand-new podcast partnership, Liberty and Learning, is the culmination of decades of discussion, book-writing, scholarship, and good old-fashioned fun and entertainment. And now, we have joined together, on the Westwood One and Hillsdale College podcast networks, in what will be one of the most unique, compelling, informative and, yes, enjoyable programs on any broadcast platform - with our focus to reach and engage as many wonderful patriots as possible!”
Liberty and Learning with Mark Levin and Larry Arnn is available now on most major podcast platforms. Under Westwood One’s leadership, the Cumulus Podcast Network produces, distributes, markets, and monetized The Mark Levin Show, Liberty and Learning with Mark Levin and Larry Arnn, On the Frontlines with Mark Levin and Yael Eckstein, and the Mark Levin Audio Rewind podcast. Westwood One syndicates “The Mark Levin Show” radio broadcast, which airs from 6 to 9 p.m. ET each weekday on nearly 400 radio affiliates, in all ten top metro markets as well as in 21 of the top 25 markets.
77WABC Radio continues its commitment to the community with its annual 10,000-Turkey Giveaway, in collaboration with AARP New York, Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets, and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York.
The first 5,000 turkeys will be handed out before Thanksgiving, and the remaining 5,000 will be distributed before Christmas and the Holiday Season. The annual Turkey Giveaway kicks off at 10 am on Monday, November 25, when turkeys will be handed out by John and Margo Catsimatidis, Curtis Sliwa, Sid Rosenberg, and other WABC Radio and New York celebrities from the 77WABC Trolley at St. Malachy's Roman Catholic Church, 239 W 49th St. in New York City.
“WABC Radio is an emergency broadcast station, a responsibility that extends to helping people in the greater New York City community year-round,” said John Catsimatidis, Owner of Red Apple Media, 77WABC, and Gristedes and D’Agostinos Supermarkets.
“Working with AARP New York and The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, we are bringing much-needed help, and hopefully joy, to those in our community who are in need and deserve happiness and a good meal for the Holiday Season.”
“AARP New York is thrilled to be part of the 77WABC and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York 10,000-Turkey Giveaway,” said Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director. “In our state, just over 1 in 10 households experience food insecurity, according to Hunger Solutions New York. Older adults shouldn’t have to decide between buying groceries, medication, and other necessities.”
“Catholic Charities is proud to partner with 77WABC, AARP NY, and Gristedes and D’Agostinos for this generous initiative that brings hope and nourishment to families in need,” said Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. “While Thanksgiving and Christmas are a special time to come together and support our neighbors, Catholic Charities of New York works every day to provide food, shelter, and resources to those who need it most.”
FOX Nation’s highly anticipated new series, Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints will feature John the Baptist this Sunday, November 24th. Hosted, narrated and executive produced by celebrated Academy Award-winning filmmaker Martin Scorsese, the exclusive docudrama explores the remarkable stories of eight men and women who risked everything to embody humanity’s most noble and complex trait — faith.
With each episode focusing on a singular saint, including Joan of Arc, Francis of Assisi, John the Baptist, Thomas Becket, Mary Magdalene, Moses the Black, Sebastian, and Maximillian Kolbe, Scorsese journeys over 2,000 years of history focusing on these extraordinary figures and their extreme acts of kindness, selflessness, and sacrifice.
This Sunday, Yahya Mahayni takes on the role of John the Baptist in the second episode, which explores the first century of Galilee when Judea is under Roman rule and a puppet ruler named Herod Antipas holds power.
While the aristocratic Pharisees and Sadducees kowtow to Antipas, the rank-and-file Jews of the era long for delivery from foreign oppression and for salvation. It is here, John the Baptist, son of a Levite, a member of the priestly class, walks away from his father’s traditions and begins to proclaim the coming of the Messiah, baptizing new followers and urging them to repent. He even baptizes Jesus and recognizes that he is the fulfillment of the prophecy.
When John publicly decries Antipas for stealing his brother’s wife and marrying her, a grave sin in Jewish tradition, he is arrested and imprisoned. Antipas’ wife and stepdaughter, Herodias and Salome, are scandalized by the accusation and want him executed, but Antipas will not order his death. Until a feast is thrown in Antipas’ honor and beautiful young Salome does a dance so enrapturing that Antipas says he’ll grant her anything she wishes. The young princess asks for the head of John the Baptist on a platter.
John the Baptist was the voice crying out in the wilderness, the one who made the path straight and prepared the way for Jesus. Today, he is the patron saint of converts. *Screeners available upon request
A pioneer in sports journalism, Rudy Martzke rose to national fame for covering sports television and media in the late 20th and early 21st centuries before it was its own cottage industry. Nobody had covered sports entertainment that way before Martzke started his column at USA TODAY as an original employee during the newspaper’s launch in 1982.
Martzke died Wednesday at the age of 82, following complications from pneumonia.
Martzke rose to national fame for covering sports television and media in the late 20th and early 21st centuries before it was its own cottage industry. Martzke died Nov. 20, 2024 at the age of 82.
In the heyday for newspapers in America, Martzke’s back-page column ran three times a week and was a must-read for not only people in the business – from the C-Suite to the production truck – but for fans who wanted to see how their opinions stacked up against the announcers they watched all the time.
His words revolutionized how fans watched sports. The Internet was fledgling at best as his career wound down, and social media didn’t exist. To figure out who was up and who needed to improve behind the mic, reading Martzke was essential. The information was valuable. The prose was entertaining.
Martzke began his career writing about sports for the East St. Louis Journal and covered the city’s professional teams. But he jumped into the public-relations side of the business and became a publicist and director of operations for the ABA's Spirits of St. Louis. It was while working there he encouraged the local radio station KMOX to hire a kid from Syracuse University named Bob Costas to call the team's games in 1974. Costas became a lifelong fan of Martzke’s work, and Martzke said Costas was among his favorite people in the business to cover.
➦In 1887...Boris Karloff was born William Henry Pratt in London.
In a 50 year acting career highlighted by four Frankenstein films, he found time to make an impact in horror radio & TV productions. He is still heard today as the narrator of the annual TV cartoon favorite, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
He died at age 81 Feb 2, 1969 from emphysema.
For his contribution to film and television, Boris Karloff was awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, at 1737 Vine Street for motion pictures, and 6664 Hollywood Boulevard for television.
➦In 1889…In San Francisco, the Palais Royal Hotel installed the first coin-operated machine that, by about 1940, was known as a "jukebox." Juke, at the time, was a slang word for a a disorderly house, or house of ill repute. The unit contained an Edison tinfoil phonograph with four listening tubes. There was a coin slot for each tube. 5 cents bought a few minutes of music. The contraption took in $1,000 in six months!
John Dehner
➦In 1915...actor John Dehner was born in Staten Island NY. After starting as a Disney animator & radio deejay, he started playing heavies in films & on radio shows such as Gunsmoke, Suspense, Escape and Yours Truly Johnny Dollar. He starred in The Hermit’s Cave and Frontier Gentleman on radio, and was Palladin in CBS Radio’s Have Gun Will Travel. TV series credits include Young Maverick, How the West was Won, Temperatures Rising, the Doris Day Show & the Don Knotts Show. He died of emphysema & diabetes Feb 4 1992 at age 76.
➦In 1938…Bob Hope recorded his future theme song with actress Shirley Ross. "Thanks For The Memory," debuted during the movie "The Big Broadcast of 1938." And in 1996, Hope set a record for the longest continuous contract in the history of Radio-TV when his last TV special aired. Hope had been with NBC for 60 years.
Hope's career in broadcasting began on radio in 1934. His first regular series for NBC Radio was the Woodbury Soap Hour in 1937, on a 26-week contract. A year later, The Pepsodent Show Starring Bob Hope began, and Hope signed a ten-year contract with the show's sponsor, Lever Brothers. He hired eight writers and paid them out of his salary of $2,500 a week. The original staff included Mel Shavelson, Norman Panama, Jack Rose, Sherwood Schwartz, and Schwartz's brother Al. The writing staff eventually grew to fifteen.
The show became the top radio program in the country. Regulars on the series included Jerry Colonna and Barbara Jo Allen as spinster Vera Vague. Hope continued his lucrative career in radio into the 1950s, when radio's popularity began being overshadowed by the upstart television medium.
His final television special, Laughing with the Presidents, with host Tony Danza helping him present a personal retrospective of presidents of the United States known to Hope, a frequent White House visitor over the years. Following a brief appearance at the 50th Primetime Emmy Awards in 1997, Hope made his last TV appearance in a 1997 commercial.
Hope died July 27, 2003 at the age of 100.
➦In 1959…Alan Freed was dismissed from his daily WNEW-TV show, "The Big Beat," over allegations that he accepted money to play certain records. Freed denied any wrongdoing.
➦In 1962…The Beatles did a ten-minute audition for BBC Television at St. James' Church Hall in London. But the “Beeb” did not like them. Brian Epstein received a rejection letter. They eventually made it on the BBC in 1963.
➦In 1964…The BBC banned The Rolling Stones after arriving late arriving for two BBC radio shows. The BBC cited the group for their "unprofessionalism."
➦In 1967…San Francisco radio personality Tom Donahue, inventor of "classic rock" and "deep cut" radio, told Rolling Stone magazine, "Top Forty radio, as we know it today and have known it for the last ten years, is dead, and its rotting corpse is stinking up the airwaves."
➦In 1982...The FCC dropped its controls on duration & frequency of TV ads in the US.
➦In 1992...country music legend Roy Acuff died of heart failure at age 89. Considered the most influential figure in the history of country music, Acuff rose to fame in the 1930’s when radio was more important than records, so his chart hits were relatively few. But he made country standards of songs like “The Wabash Cannonball,” “The Great Speckle Bird,” “Fireball Mail” and “Night Train to Memphis.”
Chuck Scarborough announced his retirement as WNBC/4 anchor during the station's 6 p.m. broadcast Thursday, wrapping a historic run at Ch. 4 that reached the half-century mark this past March.
"I'd like to break some personal news -- the time has come to pass the torch after 50 years, eight months and seven days," Scarborough said at the end of the newscast, adding " I will step away from this anchor desk" on Dec. 12.
According to Newsday, no one individual — anchor or reporter — has appeared on any New York TV news broadcast longer than Scarborough, who turned 81 Nov. 4. And no single individual on TV has come to represent such a vast stretch of New York City's tumultuous history over these past 50 years.
Scarborough has anchored Ch. 4's coverage of 9/11, the COVID pandemic, AIDS, Superstorm Sandy, five major plane crashes, three blackouts, a couple of Wall Street crashes and seven mayors, beginning with Abe Beame. There was Son of Sam, a city's near-bankruptcy, John Gotti and Donald Trump.
There are believed to be only two anchors in the United States who have done this job longer — Dave Ward, of Houston's KTRK/13 (who retired in 2017 after 51 years) and Don Alhart, of Rochester's WHAM/13, who hit the 50-year mark in 2016 and retired this past June.
But Houston and Rochester are not New York City — far and away the most competitive TV news market in the nation. On the major stations, WABC/7's Bill Beutel came closest to Scarborough's record. He retired in 2003 after 37 years on the air (Beutel died in 2006). Rafael Pineda, of Univision flagship WXTV/41, came closer, at 41 years, until his retirement in 2013. Among active anchors, only WPIX/11's weekend anchor Kaity Tong — 43 years on the air in New York — is closest.
To look at this historic run from a different perspective, Scarborough — who joined Ch. 4 from Boston's WNAC/7 (now WHDH) on March 25, 1974 — started at Ch. 4 two years after Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show" moved from 30 Rock to Burbank, and a year before "Saturday Night Live" launched. When he arrived at Ch. 4 to anchor a new 5 p.m. newscast, Scarborough's program originated out of the studio Carson had recently vacated.
Dave Ross, one of Seattle’s most influential and trusted broadcasters, and Colleen O’Brien, a broadcasting legend who’s hosted “Seattle’s Morning News” for 10 years alongside Ross, are both retiring from radio, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly impacted the Seattle community.
Ross first joined KIRO Newsradio in 1978 as a news anchor, quickly becoming a trusted voice for listeners across the Pacific Northwest. Known for his thoughtful commentaries and balanced perspective, he began hosting “The Dave Ross Show” in 1987, where his engaging storytelling and sense of humor made complex topics accessible and relatable. In 2013, Dave began anchoring “Seattle’s Morning News,” kicking off Seattleites’ day with news analysis that boasted both clarity and insight.
“Dave Ross is more than just a broadcaster; he’s the heart and soul of KIRO Newsradio,” Cathy Cangiano, market manager for Bonneville Seattle, said. “His ability to present a balanced perspective and his distinctive voice has made him an irreplaceable part of our team. Dave prefers not to make a big fuss, but we can’t let this moment pass without honoring his incredible service to our station and our community.”
Ross joined KIRO Newsradio in 1978 as a news reporter and anchor, quickly becoming a central figure in Seattle media. Over the years, his commentary and balanced approach to the news have fostered trust among listeners across the Pacific Northwest. In 1987, he launched "The Dave Ross Show," bringing clarity and humor to complex topics. Since 2013, he has anchored "Seattle's Morning News."
MSNBC slashed star anchor Rachel Maddow’s annual salary by $5 million as the left-leaning network continues to reel from parent company Comcast’s decision to spin off its struggling cable properties, according to The NY Post report.
Maddow — who rakes in $30 million a year for hosting “The Rachel Maddow Show” just one day a week on Mondays — renegotiated for a $25 million salary for the next five years, The Ankler reported on Thursday.
“This is a difficult time and they needed to keep her,” one executive told the news site. “No one else can do what she does. You can’t build a brand like it overnight.”
A source with knowledge disputed that Maddow’s haircut was for $5 million, but would not say how much less she will be earning.
The pay reduction comes as panic engulfed MSNBC’s 30 Rock headquarters in Midtown, as The Post reported, over Comcast’s plan to spin off off its cable channels by the end of 2025.
Splitting off MSNBC from NBC News could force the cable channel to change its name, logo and headquarters, and may lead to layoffs.
FOX News Digital finished October delivering year-over-year growth, overtaking CNN with total digital multiplatform unique visitors for the third time this year, according to Comscore.
While continuing to lead all news brands with multiplatform views and minutes, FOX News Digital secured 3.9 billion total multiplatform minutes (up 13% over October 2023), 2 billion total multiplatform views (up 9% over last year) and 115.8 million total digital multiplatform unique visitors (up 6% over October 2023).*
Comparatively, CNN saw double digit declines across the board and lagged behind FOX News Digital in all three of these key categories, despite the historic run up to the presidential election. Additional highlights include:The FOX News Mobile App reached 6.5 million unique visitors in October.**
FOX News was once again the most engaged brand on social media in the competitive set in October, with 47 million total social interactions, more than doubling its interactions from the year prior, according to Emplifi. FOX News drove 17.1 million interactions on Facebook, 27.1 million Instagram interactions and 3.7 million X interactions. FOX Business drove 1.3 million social media interactions during October surpassing CNBC. On YouTube, FOX News secured 283.2 million video views, seeing an 11% year-over-year increase according to Shareablee.****
FOXBusiness.com drove 160 million multiplatform views in October, surpassing CNN Business for the 31st straight month and Bloomberg.com for the 42nd consecutive month. Additionally, the business site delivered 217 million multiplatform minutes and 23.3 million multiplatform unique visitors.***
FOX Business’ videos on YouTube remained the most viewed among the business news competitive set for the 34th straight month, achieving 59 million views in October.*****
OCTOBER 2024 FOX NEWS DIGITAL VS. CNN.COM AND NYTIMES.COM
Multi-Platform Total Views
FOX News Digital – 2,012,000,000 (up 9% vs. October 2023)
CNN.com – 1,192,000,000 (down 14% vs. October 2023)
NYTimes.com – 1,595,000,000 (up 10% vs. October 2023)
Multi-Platform Total Minutes
FOX News Digital – 3,885,000,000 (up 13% vs. October 2023)
CNN.com – 1,868,000,000 (down 16% vs. October 2023)
NYTimes.com – 1,578,000,000 (up 2% vs. October 2023)
Total Digital Multi-Platform Unique Visitors
FOX News Digital - 115,809,000 (up 26% vs. October 2023)
Cumulus Media announces that it has promoted Marv Nyren to Regional Vice President of Cumulus Media in Chicago, IL, and Minneapolis, MN. Nyren currently serves as Vice President/Market Manager for Cumulus Chicago and adds oversight responsibilities for Cumulus Minneapolis to his purview.
Nyren joined Cumulus Media in 2017 as Vice President/Market Manager of Cumulus Chicago. Prior to that, he was Vice President, Corporate Sponsorships for Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ-FM. Nyren also held roles as President/Regional Vice President for iHeartMedia’s 13 radio stations in Jacksonville, FL, and Brunswick, GA, and was Regional Vice President/Market Manager for Emmis Media for 12 years, managing the company’s stations in Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Indianapolis.
Marv Nyren
Dave Milner, President, Operations, Cumulus Media, said: “Marv brings a wealth of experience across multiple U.S. markets to this expanded role. Known for his highly effective and impactful leadership in Chicago, Marv will be a tremendous asset to our talented teams and strong brands in the Twin Cities.”
Marv Nyren commented: “I’m deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Cumulus Chicago team, and now, expanding to the Minneapolis market is truly a dream come true. Being part of both teams is a privilege, and I’m excited to contribute and make a positive impact in both markets.”
Cumulus Media owns and operates three radio stations in Chicago, including Q101/WKQX-FM (Alternative); 890 WLS AM (News/Talk); and 94.7 WLS FM (Classic Hits).
Cumulus Media owns and operates three radio stations in Minneapolis, including: 92 KQRS/KQRS-FM (Classic Rock); 93X/KXXR-FM (Rock); and Love 105 FM/WGVX-FM/WWWM-FM/WLUP-FM (Adult Contemporary).
Longtime Birmingham radio personalities have left the air as Summit Media replaces hosts with syndication.
On Oct. 29, Kim Moore, also known as The Night Bird, quit her decades-long, highly-rated night show on 98.7 Kiss FM. She worked at the station for more than 25 years.
AL.com reports Moore is one of multiple people who have left various stations so far this year. In June, Darryl Johnson of 98.7 Kiss FM and Young Dil of 95.7 Jamz were laid off. In October, Leo Taylor and Pisani Baldwin of 610 WAGG also were laid off. Baldwin made the announcement on Facebook.
“And just like that the station that has been a staple for our community is no longer as you’ve known it to be,” Baldwin said.
Summit Media owns radio stations around the country and is headquartered in Birmingham.
Kiss, JAMZ and WAGG are three urban stations that drove the highest radio ratings in Birmingham, according to Nielsen Ratings.
As of Nov. 20, the hosts have either been replaced by a syndicated personality that’s based in other markets or music has filled the time slot where they were previously on air.
Johnson, Dil, Taylor, Baldwin and Moore had all worked for the company since its inception in 2012. Prior to that, all of the stations were owned by Cox Media where the same talent previously worked.
Fox Entertainment announced on Thursday a multi-year content deal whereby the Walt Disney will retain the streaming rights for Fox's extensive programming slate.
Reuters reports the agreement includes an expansion of their platform marketing arrangement, reportedly valued at over $1.5 billion across four years, according to Deadline.
The new deal builds upon both firms' partnership spanning more than two years, a period that saw a surge in consumer interest in streaming platforms, prompting traditional television companies to look for partners to house their shows and movies.
Under the terms of the new agreement, Fox's prime-time entertainment programming — including "The Masked Singer", "The Simpsons", and "Family Guy" — will continue to stream on Hulu a day after the telecast.
"Our collective marketing efforts, which will continue with this new deal, have generated impressive results and helped viewers successfully find the shows they want to watch, when they want to watch them," said Lauren Tempest, general manager at Hulu.
Disney's efforts to raise prices and crack down on password sharing helped the House of Mickey report a second straight quarterly profit for its streaming business.
Fox is also enjoying strong growth with its own streaming business Tubi, an ad-based platform which the company expects to cross the $1 billion revenue mark in this fiscal year.
The deal also includes a renewal of an agreement that allows Hulu to stream out-of-season episodes of a number of Fox's unscripted programs.
Tech-stock concentration a 'big concern,' says market expert
DirecTV has decided to walk away from its proposed merger with rival Dish Network, abandoning a tie-up that the two satellite-TV companies have attempted several times.
The Wall Street Journal reports DirecTV said that it informed Dish owner EchoStar it plans to scrap the deal at 11:59 p.m. ET Friday. The decision came after a rebuke from bondholders representing about $10.7 billion of debt in Dish and its DBS subsidiary. The broader tie-up depended on the creditors’ approval.
In September, DirecTV agreed to buy Dish from EchoStar for a nominal $1, plus the assumption of debt. The deal started to break apart last week after the companies failed to secure concessions from the key creditor group.
The merger’s failure poses another setback for the satellite companies and their respective owners, EchoStar and TPG. Executives had banked on saving both satellite operators’ flagging fortunes by pooling their resources to negotiate better rates for the TV programming they carry.
Private-equity firm TPG is still set to buy the remainder of DirecTV it doesn’t already own from AT&T but now faces the prospect of managing a debt-laden business without the benefit of future cost savings to lift its trajectory. TPG bought a 30% stake in DirecTV in 2021.
EchoStar Chairman Charlie Ergen had planned to shed Dish and its SlingTV service to focus on building a new wireless network operator. The company has said it plans to move forward with those plans regardless of the satellite merger’s outcome.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted new rules allowing FM boosters to create programming for up to three minutes per hour. This will enable the use of the ZoneCasting geotargeting system, which had previously been allowed on a temporary basis.
The final rules were approved unanimously by the commissioners. Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel highlighted that this change provides FM broadcasters with opportunities to deliver hyper-local content to different parts of their service areas.
This will potentially lead to more diverse content and new advertising opportunities for small businesses, helping them grow their audiences.
Here are takeaways from the final adoption:
Stations using FM boosters to originate content must file a quarterly public service certification.
Broadcasters must notify the commission at least 15 days in advance before using boosters.
Procedures are in place to predict and address potential interference before construction, with a cap of 25 boosters per station.
State Emergency Communications Committees must update their state EAS plans to reflect the use of program-originating boosters.
Broadcasters using ZoneCasting must adhere to political advertising rules.
The FCC's new rules primarily regulate the use of the ZoneCasting system from GeoBroadcast Solutions.
Several broadcasters have applied for booster construction permits, but only one has applied for experimental authority for program origination.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) opposes geotargeting, fearing it will harm small broadcasters and cause signal disruption.
The Commission’s decision to allow geo-targeting is a significant change for FM boosters, which in the past were designed to help a station improve its coverage where reception was poor, such as when a mountain blocked off a portion of a market from a signal.
“This can help broadcasters further serve their local communities. It is going to benefit a lot of small businesses along the way,” said Commissioner Brendan Carr, who championed the proposal with Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. “It has taken a lot of work to get here,” Carr noted.
The change is expected to enhance the ability of broadcasters to connect with listeners through more localized and relevant content, addressing specific needs of their communities while also opening doors for small businesses to reach a more targeted audience.
Audacy Minneapolis’ 830 WCCO raised over $348,000 to provide meals and care for those in need for Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities during the 22nd annual “Hunger Mission Radiothon.” This brings the total amount raised to $4.6 million since the radiothon’s inception in 2003. Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities helps people rebuild their lives and aims to break the cycle of poverty.
“We are deeply grateful to our fans who always show such tremendous generosity,” said Brad Lane, Brand Manager of WCCO. “This outpouring of support will continue helping UGMTC do the tremendous and necessary work they are engaged in every day here in the Twin Cities. It also demonstrates the power and relevance of this legacy station in the community!”
“Our partnership with WCCO for the Hunger Mission Radiothon 2024 reflects the heart of our mission at Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities – coming together as a community to extend hope and transform lives,” says Pam Stegora Axberg, Chief Executive Officer, Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities. “We are deeply grateful for WCCO’s unwavering support in amplifying the stories of resilience and redemption that inspire us all to make a difference and bring the community together to give.”
830 WCCO’s 22nd annual “Hunger Mission Radiothon” was broadcast live on November 19 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. inside the Mall of America Huntington Bank Rotunda. You can hear all of the interviews and support UGMTC with additional donations at wccoradio.com.
830 WCCO’s “Hunger Mission Radiothon” is part of Audacy’s commitment to making a meaningful difference at scale. Audacy uses its reach and personal connection with listeners to advance causes that promote strong mental health and build sound communities.
Cami Marlowe, WABD Promotions Director, and Mojo Wilson
Cumulus Media’s 97.5 WABD, the Gulf Coast’s Hit Music Station, and Mojo, On-Air Host, Middays, joined forces with Feeding the Gulf Coast and generous sponsors including Mobile Mitsubishi, Walmart, and Mobile Country Public Schools to present the station’s annual Camp Out for Hunger Food Drive.
The popular charitable event kicked off on Friday, November 8th and continued through Monday, November 18th in Mobile, AL. Station personalities, staff, and sponsors were on hand throughout the event to collect donations of non-perishable food items for Gulf Coast families facing food insecurity.
Throughout the ten-day event, Mojo camped out on a school bus parked in the Walmart parking lot until the station collected enough food items to fill the entire bus. By Noon on Monday, the Mobile community had donated more than 3,000 pounds of food for area families in need this holiday season.
Don Boyd, Regional Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Mobile and Pensacola, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of Mojo and the entire Cumulus Mobile team for stepping up to meet such an important need in our community. Leveraging the power of our five market-leading radio stations and digital platforms, the team demonstrated the incredible impact we can have when we work together. A special shout-out to Mojo, whose dedication and commitment—camping out on a bus for 10 days—serve as an inspiring example for us all."
Vincent “Mojo” Wilson, On-Air Host, Middays, 97.5 WABD and Regional Operations Manager, Cumulus Mobile and Pensacola, FL, said: “I have had no sleep and heard every car alarm and parking lot sound that you can imagine, but it was all worth it. I am so grateful to the Gulf Coast community for showing up and giving back to Feeding the Gulf Coast. Special thanks to my co-host and friend Cami for keeping me sane and my onesies clean. My dream of making sure families don't go hungry started to take shape in the last few days of Camp Out for Hunger. I am going to catch a few days' rest before we order up our next school bus for December. Yes! We are stuffing another school bus! Details coming soon!”
➦In 1899…Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America registered in New Jersey
➦In 1904...Actor Roland Winters was born in Boston. He was the longtime radio announcer for John J Anthony’s Goodwill Hour. In TV he had recurring roles on the series Mama, Door With No Name & Green Acres, as well as dozens of guest spots. He died Oct. 22 1989 after a stroke, at age 84.
➦In 1906...Actor & announcer Howard Petrie was born in Beverly Mass. He had many bigtime radio announcing assignments with Garry Moore, Jimmy Durante & Judy Canova, frequently taking part in the skits himself. In TV he had recurring acting assignments on Bat Masterson & The Edge of Night, plus scores of guest roles. Howard died March 24 1968 at just 61.
➦In 1934...“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” was aired on radio for the first time, on NBC’s Eddie Cantor Show.
➦In 1955...RCA paid the unheard of sum of $25,000 to Sam Phillips of Memphis for the rights to the music of a truck driver from Tupelo, Mississippi: Elvis Presley. Thanks to negotiations with Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker, RCA tossed in a $5,000 bonus as well — for a pink Cadillac for Elvis’ mother.
➦In 1963…Most U-S radio stations suspended regular programming following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas. The Number One song that week was 'Sugar Shack' by Jimmy Gilmer & The Fireballs.
More than three hours of KLIF 1190 AM audio from November 22, 1963, the day of President Kennedy's assassination.
Coverage begins at 11:30 AM (Dallas time) on 11/22/63, with Joe Long of Dallas radio station KLIF reporting live from Love Field Airport as President Kennedy arrives in "Big D".
Today 1190 AM is the home of Talk KFXR.
Kennedy coverage as heard on WBAP 820 AM Fort Worth:
And From The Big One, WLW 700 AM Cincinnati (then an NBC Affiliate):
Here is the initial bulletin heard on the NBC Radio Network about the shooting of President Kennedy in Dallas. Robert MacNeil reports live from a telephone located inside the Texas School Book Depository Building, which is where the gunshots came from.
This is the line feed from the ABC Radio Network News in the initial moments of the coverage of the JFK Assassination. Included is the ABC Log Book notes on what they were airing. Someone in ABC Master Control had to log literally everything that was broadcast each day. Also included UPI and AP wire copy which you can see the network anchors are relying on for information.
➦1963…The Parlophone label released the Beatles' second album in the U-K, "With the Beatles," and the single, "Roll Over Beethoven." Capitol Records in Canada issued the album as "Beatlemania! With the Beatles," which has the distinction of being the first Beatles album ever released in North America. Most of the songs from the album were not released in the United States until January 20, 1964 when Capitol Records issued "Meet the Beatles!"
➦In 1980...actress Mae West died at her Hollywood home at age 87 following a stroke.
The 58th Annual CMA Awards took place on Wednesday night from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Luke Bryan and former NFL star Peyton Manning returned to host the ceremony, with last year’s entertainer of the year award winner – country music superstar Lainey Wilson – joining as cohost.
Morgan Wallen earned the most nominations with seven, followed by Cody Johnson and Chris Stapleton with five. Post Malone and Wilson earned four nods each.
Despite being seemingly plagued by sound quality issues, the show included several starry performances, including a show-opener from Malone and Chris Stapleton and a tribute to this year’s lifetime achievement award recipient George Strait.
🎤2024 CMA Broadcast Personality Of The Year Winners:
Weekly National: Crook & Chase Countdown (Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase) – Jim Owens Entertainment
Daily National: The Bobby Bones Show (Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, “Lunchbox” Dan Chappell, Eddie Garcia, Morgan Huelsman, “SZN Raymundo” Ray Slater, “Mike D” Rodriguez, Abby Anderson, “Kick Off Kevin” O’Connell and Stephen “Scuba Steve” Spradlin) – iHeartMedia
Major Market: Frito & Katy (Tucker “Frito” Young and Katy Dempsey) – KCYY, San Antonio, Texas
Large Market: Jesse & Anna (Jesse Tack and Anna Marie) – WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio
Medium Market: Steve & Gina In The Morning (Steve Lundy and Gina Melton) – KXKT, Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
Small Market: The Eddie Foxx Show (Eddie Foxx and Amanda Foxx) – WKSF, Asheville, N.C.
📻2024 CMA Radio Stations Of The Year:
Major Market: WYCD – Detroit, Michigan
Large Market: WQDR – Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
