Happier New Year Radio

In the Gregorian calendar, New Year's Day is the first day of the calendar year, 1 January. Most solar calendars, such as the Gregorian and Julian calendars, begin the year regularly at or near the northern winter solstice. In contrast, cultures and religions that observe a lunisolar or lunar calendar celebrate their Lunar New Year at varying points relative to the solar year.

In pre-Christian Rome, under the Julian calendar, the day was dedicated to Janus, god of gateways and beginnings, for whom January is also named. From Roman times until the mid-18th century, the new year was celebrated at various stages and in various parts of Christian Europe on 25 December, on 1 March, on 25 March and on the movable feast of Easter.

In the present day, with most countries now using the Gregorian calendar as their civil calendar, 1 January according to Gregorian calendar is among the most celebrated of public holidays in the world, often observed with fireworks at the stroke of midnight following New Year's Eve as the new year starts in each time zone. Other global New Year's Day traditions include making New Year's resolutions and calling one's friends and family.

Edison Releases 'At Home' Trending

U.S. audio listening habits have settled into a "new normal" post-COVID-19, with the share of daily audio time spent at home averaging 55% from 2023 through Q3 2025, according to Edison Research's Share of Ear® study.

The graph below tracks the percentage of daily audio listening time at home from 2015 to Q3 2025.

This represents an elevated level compared to pre-pandemic years, reflecting ongoing hybrid work patterns where many office workers continue remote or flexible schedules at least part-time.

The pandemic caused a sharp spike, pushing at-home listening to 59% in 2020 as remote work and social distancing became widespread, with elevated shares continuing into 2021 and 2022.

Prior to 2020, from 2015 to 2019, just over half of daily audio time—averaging slightly above 52%—occurred at home among Americans aged 13+.

Weiss Invites George Clooney To Visit CBS Newsroom

NY Post Composite

Bari Weiss, editor-in-chief of CBS News, issued a playful yet pointed response to George Clooney on Tuesday, inviting the newly naturalized French citizen to visit the network's broadcast center after he accused her of "dismantling" the news division.

"Bonjour, Mr. Clooney! Big fan of your work," Weiss wrote in a statement shared by CBS parent company Paramount Skydance with The New York Post. "It sounds like you’d like to learn more about ours. This is an open invitation to visit the CBS Broadcast Center, where I’m spending the holidays working to relaunch the Evening News with my colleagues. Tune in January 5."

The Clooneys

The exchange stems from Clooney's recent interview with Variety, where the actor—fresh off gaining French citizenship alongside his wife Amal and their twins—criticized Weiss for reshaping CBS News under new ownership following Paramount's merger with Skydance. Clooney claimed Weiss was actively undermining the network's journalistic standards, tying it to broader concerns about media outlets settling defamation lawsuits from President Donald Trump.

Weiss, a former New York Times opinion editor and founder of The Free Press (acquired by Paramount earlier this year), was appointed to lead CBS News in October. Her tenure has drawn scrutiny, including for pulling a "60 Minutes" segment critical of Trump administration deportations and overseeing changes to programs like "CBS Evening News.

"The "bonjour" jab appears to reference Clooney's new dual citizenship, granted just days earlier, as the star has relocated much of his family life to Provence for privacy reasons. Weiss's invitation highlights ongoing efforts to revamp the flagship evening broadcast, set to feature new anchor Tony Dokoupil starting in early 2026.

WBD Expected to Reject Latest Paramount Bid

Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to reject an amended $108.4 billion hostile takeover bid from Paramount Skydance, even though billionaire Larry Ellison has provided a personal guarantee backing the all-cash offer, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The bid, which values Warner Bros. Discovery at $30 per share and targets the entire company—including its iconic studio, HBO, streaming services, and cable networks like CNN and Discovery—aims to disrupt a competing $82.7 billion cash-and-stock deal with Netflix for key assets. Paramount Skydance, controlled by David Ellison (son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison), sweetened its proposal last week with Ellison's irrevocable personal guarantee of approximately $40.4 billion in equity financing, addressing prior board concerns about funding certainty.

Despite this enhancement, Warner Bros. Discovery's board views the Netflix agreement as offering greater "deal certainty" with lower execution risks, cleaner financing, and reduced regulatory hurdles. The board has previously criticized Paramount's offer as "illusory" due to perceived financing gaps and has urged shareholders to reject it. Rejecting Paramount's bid would avoid triggering a potential $2.8 billion breakup fee owed to Netflix.

The potential Paramount merger would create a media powerhouse larger than Disney, raising significant antitrust concerns from lawmakers on both sides. President Donald Trump has indicated he plans to weigh in personally on the deal. Warner Bros. Discovery's board is set to meet next week to formally review the amended proposal, though no final decision has been made.

The development marks the latest twist in a high-stakes battle for one of Hollywood's legendary studios, as streaming giants and traditional media players vie for scale amid industry consolidation.

Kansas Radio: Tower Topple Permanently Silences KLOE-AM

Kansas Broadcast Company has decided to permanently silence oldies station “730 Gold” KLOE in Goodland, Kansas, after extreme winds toppled its transmission tower, citing the high cost of rebuilding an AM tower and ongoing challenges in AM broadcasting.

The tower initially suffered damage during windstorms on December 17-18, with gusts reaching 80 mph that shattered porcelain insulators at the base, causing the structure to lean and become unstable. The station went off the air on December 18, and a request for temporary silent authority was filed with the FCC on December 22, initially projecting a return by mid-June.

A second round of strong winds on December 27-28 caused the damaged tower to collapse into a nearby field, with no additional property damage reported

.“This was not a decision taken lightly. KLOE represents decades of voices, memories and service to this community. Losing the tower is heartbreaking especially after the work that went into restoring and celebrating the station’s legacy,” the company stated.

Kansas Broadcast Company, which owns ten stations across the state, will continue broadcasting KLOE's signature “The Good Neighbor Hour” weekday mornings from 5:30-7 a.m. on sister classic rock station “RockIt 102.5” KKCI in Goodland.

KLOE 730 AM (1 Kw)

“We are incredibly grateful to the listeners, advertisers and community members who supported KLOE for generations. We honor its past, mourn its loss and remain fully committed to serving Goodland and northwest Kansas for years to come,” the company added.

Westwood One Launching New CHR Show For Evenings

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One has announced the launch of a new nighttime CHR music show featuring music and entertainment personalities Jade Jones and Tyler Frye, and debuting on Monday, January 5, 2026. 

“Nightly with Jade & Tyler” will deliver five hours of today’s hottest hit music, Monday through Friday, from 7:00pm to Midnight. The show’s lively format pairs with Jade and Tyler’s palpable love of music and engages listeners both on-air and across social media with non-stop Top 40 hits, real talk, and social media buzz that keeps listeners plugged in and feeling connected.

Jade blends her passion for music, entertainment, and culture with a strong commitment to representation and individuality. She empowers audiences—especially women and minority communities—while keeping listeners inspired and entertained. Jade joins Westwood One from WWWQ-FM in Atlanta.

Tyler, a proud Chicago native and lifelong Bears fan, has built a career across major markets including Tampa, Denver, Raleigh, Houston, and Kansas City. Known for his deep knowledge of current music and his relatable personality, Tyler also shares his life with his beloved rescue dog, Bear. He comes to Westwood One from KMJK-FM in Kansas City.

Jade Jones commented: “I’ve got butterflies! I’m excited to bring my voice, heart, and perspective to a national audience. I’m looking forward to connecting with the people on the other side of the speakers. I want our listeners to feel like they genuinely know us, like friends they check in with every night. 

“Nightly with Jade & Tyler” is a safe space for relatable chaos, exciting life moments, real conversations, and growth. We want people calling in, joining the conversation, and feeling seen, heard, and like they belong. I’m incredibly grateful to Westwood One for trusting us with that connection, and I couldn’t be more excited to grow this community alongside Tyler.”

Tyler Frye remarked: “This is the ultimate dream of mine; I am forever grateful and blessed for this amazing opportunity. I can't wait to co-host with Jade, who is already a mega superstar. This is going to be fun. I want to thank Donna Baker, Leslie Whittle, Doug Hamand, Susan Stephens and Brian Philips for this giant opportunity.”

For more information or to get “Nightly With Jade & Tyler” for your station, contact: Entertainment@WestwoodOne.com.

San Diego Radio: Triton Hoops To Air On 97.3 The Fan

UC San Diego and 97.3 The Fan (KWFN-FM) have teamed up to air more than a dozen Triton men's and women's basketball games for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. The multi-year agreement designates 97.3 The Fan as the exclusive over-the-air home of UC San Diego basketball, with all broadcasts streaming via the free Audacy app. Play-by-play veterans Steve Quis and Ted Mendenhall will team up to call the action, with recent UC San Diego grad Madison Baxter providing analysis on the women's coverage.

“We are thrilled to partner with Audacy and 97.3 The Fan to air Tritons basketball games throughout San Diego for the remainder of this season and beyond,” said UC San Diego Athletics Director Andy Fee. “Our teams play a fun brand of basketball the entire San Diego community can get behind, and we can’t wait to showcase Tritons basketball on San Diego’s number one sports station starting Thursday night!”

The 2025-26 schedule includes coverage of all remaining Big West men's road games as well as a pair of UC San Diego regular season women's games. 97.3 The Fan is also the home of Tritons postseason basketball, providing live coverage of both teams' title defense from The Big West Championship in Henderson, Nev. in March.

"We are proud to establish this landmark partnership with UC San Diego, marking the first time 97.3 The Fan will serve as the exclusive broadcast home for Tritons basketball," said Adam Klug, Brand Manager, 97.3 The Fan. "The program's seamless transition to Division I and its continued dominance on the court is a story San Diego fans want to hear. This collaboration reinforces our unwavering commitment to being the city's premier destination for live and local sports."

The first broadcast of UC San Diego basketball on 97.3 The Fan will air on Thursday when the UC San Diego men's team visits Cal Poly. Pregame coverage gets underway at 6:52 p.m. PST with tip-off scheduled for just after 7 p.m. PST from San Luis Obispo.

NPR CEO Ignored Calls To Resign

NPR CEO Katherine Maher refused to resign despite direct pressure from Patricia Harrison, CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)—a major federal funding distributor for public media—who suggested she step down "for the good of public media" amid concerns over perceived bias in NPR's reporting.

This pressure came during a spring 2025 phone call, as reported by The New York Times on December 30, 2025. Harrison raised listener complaints about bias, but Maher rejected the notion of systemic bias and declined to resign, viewing any concession as undermining NPR's journalistic independence.

The incident stemmed from longstanding accusations of liberal bias at NPR, amplified in 2024-2025 by Veteran editor Uri Berliner's essay criticizing progressive influences on coverage (leading to his resignation).

Resurfaced old tweets from Maher critical of Donald Trump

Republican-led congressional hearings and President Trump's claims that NPR violated nonpartisan obligations.

These culminated in Congress eliminating over $500 million in annual federal funding for public media, a move NPR challenged in court as First Amendment retaliation.

Maher's Response and Outcome

Maher's defiant stance—refusing compromise with critics or Congress—drew internal criticism from some public broadcasting allies advocating conciliation but ultimately strengthened NPR financially through record private donations and heightened listener support.

As of late 2025, Maher remains in her role, having navigated the crises with an aggressive approach that contrasted with predecessors and solidified her leadership amid ongoing debates over public media's role and funding.

Radio History: Dec 31

➦In 1910...Actor Dick Kollmar was born in Rigewood NJ. He starred as 'Boston Blackie' in the long-running radio show, and co-hosted a WOR New York chat show with his wife, gossip columnist Dorothy Kilgallen.  On TV he hosted the series Broadway Spotlight & Guess What. He died Jan. 7 1971, an apparent suicide at age 60.

➦In 1914...Roy Rogers’ sidekick Pat Brady was born in Toledo Ohio. He appeared in more than 100 episodes of TV’s Roy Rogers Show, after hooking up with Roy in films & on radio.   He also sang with the western group Sons of the Pioneers. He died in a car accident Feb. 27 1972 at age 57.

➦In 1920...cowboy actor & narrator Rex Allen was born on a ranch in Arizona. Although he sang on radio’s WLS National Barn Dance, published over 300 songs, and starred in 19 Republic western movies, he is best remembered today for his distinctive narration of dozens of Disney films & TV shows.  He died Dec 17, 1999 just days short of his 79th birthday, after being accidently run over in his own driveway.

➦In 1923...In London,, the BBC began using the distinctive Big Ben chime ID.

➦In 1923...the first transatlantic radio broadcast of a voice occurred between Pittsburgh and Manchester, England.

➦In 1926...KOMO signed on the air in Seattle at AM 980.  Today the longtime Fisher Broadcasting outlet has an all-news format at AM 1000.

KOMO Control circa 1948 (Photos courtesy of  nwradiohistory.com)

In July 1926, KOMO was founded on Harbor Island as KGFA 980 by two owners: Birt F. Fisher, whose lease on Seattle radio station KTCL was about to run out, and the Fisher brothers of Fisher Flouring Mills, who had been on the island since 1911. (The Fisher Brothers and Birt Fisher were not related.) In preparation for the switch to the new station, Birt Fisher changed KTCL's call sign to KOMO.

In December, his lease ended, and he took the call letters with him to KGFA. KOMO 980's first broadcast was December 31, 1926. The studios moved to Downtown Seattle in 1927. The station also began a long-running affiliation with NBC Radio that year as well, primarily with the Red Network, but also with the short-lived West Coast NBC Orange Network from 1931 to 1933. Over the following years, KOMO's frequency would go from 980 to 1080, back to 980, down to 920, up to 970, then back to 920, and settled at 950 after the NARBA frequency shakeup in 1941.

Circa 1948

Fisher's Blend Station, owner of KOMO, bought NBC Blue Network affiliate KJR from NBC in 1941. In 1944, KOMO switched frequencies with KJR (then at 1000 kHz) and sold KJR off two years later. At its new frequency, KOMO began broadcasting with 50,000 watts of power from its current transmitter site on Vashon Island in 1948. New studios at the corner of Fourth and Denny, near what is now the Seattle Center, were dedicated in February 1948.

➦In 1928...For the first time Auld Lang Syne was played by Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians to bring in 1929, during the band’s annual New Year’s Eve Party at  New York’s Hotel Roosevelt Grill. The event was heard on the CBS radio network, and became the longest running annual special program in broadcast history.

➦In 1940...ASCAP prevented the radio industry from playing any ASCAP-licensed music. The ban lasted for ten months. It was in reaction to a dispute between the radio networks and ASCAP, the American Society of Composers and Publishers.

➦In 1943...Singer John Denver was born Henry John Deutschendorf.  Denver was killed At age 53 on Oct 12, 1997, when his home-built high-performance aircraft he was piloting over Monterey Bay, California. crashed.

➦In 1961...LA radio station KFWB hired the Beach Boys for $300, appearing under that name for the first time, to perform at their Ritchie Valen’s Memorial Dance in Long Beach.   Previously the group had played California nightclubs as The Pendletones, as Kenny and the Cadets, and as Carl and the Passions.

➦In 1963...The "Dear Abby Show" premiered on the CBS Radio network. The 5-minutes program aired for 11 years.

➦In 1967...Radio stations across the nation had to comply with an FCC mandate that AM/FM outlets in major cities had to air non-duplicated programming.  The limit was 50 percent for simulcasts. Here's a NY Times story dated December 31, 1966 concerning NYC stations...

R.I.P.: Ed Wallace, Former KLIF D/FW Talk Personality

Ed Wallace (1953-2025)

Ed Wallace, a beloved North Texas radio personality and automotive journalist, passed away on December 28, 2025, at his home in Fort Worth, Texas. He was 72 years old. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

Wallace was best known for hosting "Wheels with Ed Wallace", a popular Saturday morning show on KLIF 570 AM in Dallas that debuted in 1993 and ran for nearly three decades. 

What started as a program focused on cars evolved into a broader, five-hour discussion blending automotive advice, American history ("the backside of history"), classic music tracks, current news commentary, and consumer insights. 

Listeners praised his vast knowledge, storytelling ability, and straightforward style—he often described himself as "just a master of the obvious."

Beyond radio, Wallace was a longtime car reviewer on FOX 4's Good Day program (retiring from that role in 2022 after 26 years), wrote columns for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, contributed to BusinessWeek, and ran the website InsideAutomotive.com. 

He earned accolades including the Dallas Press Club's Katy Award for Best Radio Documentary and the 2001 Gerald Loeb Award for Radio from UCLA's Anderson School of Business.

He retired from his radio show around 2022 (with some sources noting ongoing involvement briefly afterward), stepping away after a remarkable run that made him a staple of Dallas-Fort Worth weekends for generations of listeners.

In line with his wishes, no memorial service is planned. His wife, Judi Smith (a former FOX 4 personality), shared that he wanted to "fade into the sunset."

Notable Celebrities and Figures Who Died in 2025

2025 saw the passing of many iconic figures from film, music, television, sports, science, and beyond. Here are some of the most prominent losses, based on widespread reporting from major outlets like Entertainment Weekly, People, Variety, BBC, and others.

Film and Television Actors/Directors

• Robert Redford (age 89): Legendary actor and director known for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All the President's Men, and founding the Sundance Film Festival. He passed away in September at his home in Utah.
• Diane Keaton (age ~79): Oscar-winning actress famous for Annie Hall, Something's Gotta Give, and collaborations with Woody Allen and Nancy Meyers.
• Gene Hackman (age 95): Two-time Oscar winner for The French Connection and Unforgiven; starred in The Poseidon Adventure, Superman, and many classics. Found dead in February alongside his wife.
• Rob Reiner (age 78): Director of The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men, and This Is Spinal Tap; also known as "Meathead" from All in the Family. Died in December.
• David Lynch (age 78-79): Visionary director of Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, and Twin Peaks. Died in January from complications related to emphysema.
• Val Kilmer (age 65): Star of Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors.
• Michelle Trachtenberg (age ~40): Known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer (as Dawn) and Gossip Girl.
• Brigitte Bardot (age 91): French icon and sex symbol of the 1950s-60s, starred in And God Created Woman; later an animal rights activist. Died in late December.

Music

• Ozzy Osbourne (age ~76-77): "Prince of Darkness" and Black Sabbath frontman; solo hits like "Crazy Train". Performed a final show in July before passing soon after.
• Brian Wilson (age ~83): Co-founder of The Beach Boys, genius behind Pet Sounds and hits like "Good Vibrations".
• Roberta Flack (age ~88): Soul singer known for "Killing Me Softly" and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face".
• Sly Stone (age 82): Funk pioneer and leader of Sly and the Family Stone ("Everyday People", "Dance to the Music").
• D'Angelo (age 51): Neo-soul innovator with albums like Brown Sugar and Voodoo.
• Ace Frehley (age 74): Original guitarist and co-founder of KISS.

Other Notables

• Jane Goodall (age 91): Renowned primatologist and conservationist, famous for chimpanzee research and advocacy.
• George Foreman (age 76): Two-time heavyweight boxing champion, Olympic gold medalist, and grill entrepreneur.
• Giorgio Armani (age 91): Iconic Italian fashion designer who revolutionized menswear and dressed countless stars.
• Pope Francis: Leader of the Catholic Church, died after a public appearance on Easter.
• Terence Stamp (age 87): British actor known for Superman (General Zod) and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
• Frank Gehry (age 96): Architect behind the Guggenheim Bilbao and Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Many younger or less globally famous figures also passed, including reality stars, soap opera actors, and emerging talents. The year brought tributes from fans and colleagues worldwide, highlighting the enduring impact of these individuals on culture and society.

Radio History: Jan 1

➦In 1923...the very first radio broadcast of the Rose Bowl aired in Los Angeles over KHJ radio — some 42 years before 93/KHJ became Boss Radio.

➦In 1925...Lucrezia Bori and John McCormack of the famous Metropolitan Opera made their singing debuts on radio. The broadcast over New York’s WEAF Radio soon to be the NBC flagship.

➦In 1927...The Blue Network aired its first program.   The Blue Network (previously the NBC Blue Network) was the on-air name of the now defunct American radio production and distribution service, which ran from 1927 to 1945. Beginning as one of the two radio networks owned by the National Broadcasting Company, the independent Blue Network was born of a divestiture in 1942, arising from anti-trust litigation, and is the direct predecessor of the American Broadcasting Company (ABC..see below) - organized 1943-1945 as a separate independent radio network and later TV broadcaster.

The Blue Network dates to 1923, when the Radio Corporation of America acquired WJZ Newark from Westinghouse (which had created the station in 1921) and moved it to New York City in May of that year. When RCA commenced operations of WRC, Washington on August 1, 1923, the root of a network was born, though it did not operate under the name by which it would later become known. Radio historian Elizabeth McLeod states that it would not be until 1924 that the "Radio Group" formally began network operations.

The core stations of the "Radio Group" were RCA's stations WJZ and WRC; the Westinghouse station WBZ, then in Springfield, Massachusetts; and WGY, the General Electric station in Schenectady, New York.

RCA's principal rival prior to 1926 was the radio broadcasting department of the American Telephone & Telegraph Company. AT&T, starting in 1921, had been using this department as a test-bed for equipment being designed and manufactured by its Western Electric subsidiary.

The RCA stations operated at a significant disadvantage to their rival chain; AT&T used its own high-quality transmission lines, and declined to lease them out to competing entities, forcing RCA to use the telegraph lines of Western Union, which were not as well calibrated to voice transmission as the AT&T lines.

Nevertheless, the WJZ network sought to compete toe-to-toe with the AT&T network, which was built around WEAF (today's WFAN). For example, both stations sent announcer teams to cover the 1924 Democratic National Convention, which was held in Madison Square Garden in New York City. Promotional material produced in 1943 claimed certain "firsts" in broadcasting by WJZ, such as the first educational music program in April 1922, the first World Series broadcasts in 1922, and the first complete opera broadcast, The Flying Dutchman, from the Manhattan Opera House.

RCA (as well as its consortium partners General Electric and Westinghouse) were to receive a break in 1926, when AT&T made a corporate decision to exit the broadcasting business and focus on its telecommunications business.

The Decatur Review (Illinois) for Sunday, December 12, 1926 reported the following in an article describing a broadcast to be sponsored by the Victor Talking Machine Company and aired the following New Year's Day, January 1, 1927, which is a description of this first Blue Network broadcast—note that it makes it clear that January 1, 1927 marked the debut of the Blue Network:

"TWO BIG NETWORKS: The network to be used for the first concert will consist of a combination of chains of stations affiliated with WEAF and WJZ, New York. It is also announced that this opening Victor program inaugurates a new chain system to be operated by the National Broadcasting Company, with WJZ as the "key" station. This new chain, which will be known as the "blue" network, will allow simultaneous broadcasting from WJZ through WBZ, Springfield and Boston, KDKA, Pittsburgh, and KYW, Chicago. For broadcasting of the first program, therefore, the "blue" network will be joined with the "red" network, as the WEAF chain is designated, as well as other stations in various cities. Following the New Year's night program, the concerts will be given bi-monthly, through the "blue" network (...)

Allegedly, the color designations came from the way the networks were represented on maps, with red lines (or pushpins) denoting the WEAF network circuits, and blue the WJZ circuits.

➦In 1927...the very first coast-to-coast network radio broadcast of the Rose Bowl was made. Graham McNamee provided the play-by-play on NBC Radio.The Rose Bowl football game was aired for the first time, coast-to-coast, on network radio.

➦In 1930..."The Cuckoo Hour" was broadcast for the first time on the NBC-Blue Network (it later became the ABC Radio Network).

➦In 1934...the classic radio horror show Light’s Out was heard for the first time on WENR Chicago. The show became an ‘almost midnight’ NBC thriller 16 months later.

➦In 1940…Broadcasting from the Empire State Building in New York City, radio station W2XDG, the first FM station licensed by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, became the first to broadcast with the new Frequency Modulation technology.\

➦In 1941...Lorne Greene was appointed first announcer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's new national radio news service. His authoritative baritone on nightly wartime newscasts caused him to be nicknamed ‘The Voice of Doom’, nearly two decades before his reincarnation as Pa Cartwright on NBC-TV’s popular western series, Bonanza.

➦In 1947...WKSE, Buffalo signed on as WHLD-FM in 1947. It changed its call sign to WZIR in 1980, WRXT in 1984, and the current call sign in 1985.  It currently runs a Top 40 format, which has been in place since September 1984. The station is now owned by Entercom.

➦In 1950... 26-year-old disc jockey Sam Phillips opened his Memphis Recording Service (later renamed Sun Studios) at the corner of Union and Marshall in the Tennessee city. Some 3 and 1/2 years later, Elvis Presley walked in and spent $3.98 to make his first recording.

➦In 1953...legendary Hank Williams died at the young age of 29 from a drug/alcohol-related heart attack.  Hank wrote or co-wrote: “Cold, Cold Heart”, “Half as Much”, “Jambalaya”, “Your Cheatin’ Heart”, “Hey, Good Lookin”, & “I’m So Lonesome I Could Die.” Indisputedly the biggest star in the history of country music, Williams’ legacy is being carried on by his son, Hank Williams, Jr.

Nielsen Releases The First Holiday Results

🎄New York City – It's  A Lite Christmas

No surprise here: iHeartMedia Adult Contemporary 106.7 Lite FM (WLTW) dominated the Holiday book, climbing to #1 with a strong 9.9 share (up from 7.4 in November). A year ago in Holiday 2024, it posted a 9.7. The station flipped to all-Christmas music just eight days into the survey period, delivering the expected holiday boost.

Audacy All-News 1010 WINS/92.3 WINS-FM held steady at #2 with a 6.5 share (down slightly from 6.8), while adding a healthy 0.6 share from streaming. iHeartMedia Top 40 Z100 (WHTZ) stayed at #3 with 5.1 (down from 5.8) but found company in a tie: MediaCo Urban AC 107.5 WBLS surged from #10 to a shared #3, rebounding to 5.1 (up from 4.1). Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish Tropical Mega 97.9 (WSKQ) repeated at #5 with a flat 5.0, plus an impressive 1.4 share from its stream. Audacy Classic Hits 101.1 WCBS-FM slipped to #6, posting its lowest share since the last Holiday period at 4.6 (down from 5.6).

WLTW also grew its market-leading cume by 11.7% (3,765,500 to 4,205,800). Overall market share dipped 1.5%, while PUMM (Persons Using Measured Media) fell 3.3% month-to-month but rose 15.9% year-over-year.

25-54 Demo

WLTW remained #1 and stayed in double digits, topping last year's Holiday performance by over a share. Z100 held #2 despite its first down book since July. WSKQ returned to #3 (stream ranked #18). iHeartMedia Urban Power 105.1 (WWPR) climbed to #4 with its strongest showing in more than a year. MediaCo Rhythmic CHR Hot 97 (WQHT) dropped to #5, giving back all of last month's gains—and then some. Demo PUMM was down 5.8% from November but up 11.5% year-over-year.

As always during the Holiday survey, Christmas music drove massive gains for AC formats, while the overall market saw typical seasonal shifts.

🌲Los Angeles – It's KOSTmas Time

iHeartMedia Adult Contemporary 103.5 KOST wasted no time, flipping to all-Christmas on just the second day of the survey—and the payoff was massive. The station soared to #1 with an 11.2 share (up from 6.5 in November), far surpassing its 8.3 from Holiday 2024.

Audacy Classic Hits 101.1 KRTH (K-EARTH 101) posted its lowest share since the last holiday season, falling to #2 with 5.8 (down from 7.0) and ending a remarkable seven-book winning streak. iHeartMedia Hot AC 104.3 MYfm (KBIG) held steady at #3 with a flat 4.9.Audacy Smooth Jazz/Urban AC 94.7 The Wave (KTWV) stayed at #4 but dropped to 4.2 (from 4.6) and now shared the spot with Audacy All-News KNX-FM 97.1/1070, which climbed from #6 with 4.2 (up from 3.8). KNX also gained 0.3 share from streaming.

iHeartMedia Top 40 102.7 KIIS-FM slipped to #7, recording its lowest share in over a year at 3.6 (down from 4.0).KOST extended its cume dominance with a huge 25.7% jump (2,414,400 to 3,033,700). The overall market dipped 1.1%, while PUMM fell 4.1% month-to-month but rose 14.6% year-over-year.

25-54 Demo
KOST rocketed from #3 to #1 in double digits, improving on last Holiday's performance by nearly two shares. KBIG repeated at #2 with a minor dip, while flat Audacy Alternative KROQ edged up to #3. KRTH tumbled from #1 to #4, again marking its weakest result since the previous Christmas surge. Audacy Adult Hits 93.1 JACK FM (KCBS-FM) climbed from #8 to #5 with its best book in over a year. The three stations tied at #5 last month (KYSR, KTWV, KIIS) all posted declines this time, landing iHeartMedia Alternative Alt 98.7 (KYSR) at #6, KTWV at #7, and KIIS at #9. Demo PUMM was down 4.3% from November but up 11.4% year-over-year.

🎄Chicago – It's A Holiday At WLIT

iHeartMedia Adult Contemporary 93.9 Lite FM (WLIT) began its all-Christmas format just before the final week of the November survey, setting the stage for a massive Holiday surge. The station reclaimed #1 with an 11.5 share (up from 6.0), outpacing its already strong 9.8 from Holiday 2024.

Hubbard Hot AC 101.9 The Mix (WTMX) defied the usual Christmas-music devastation, holding firm at #2 with a near-flat 5.0 (down slightly from 5.1) and standing alone this time.  Audacy AAA 93.1 WXRT and Audacy All-News WBBM-AM 780/105.9 FM both slipped into a tie at #3 with 4.8 each (down from 5.1). WBBM added a solid 0.5 share from streaming.  Cumulus Classic Hits 94.7 WLS-FM delivered the biggest climb, leaping from #9 to #5 with 4.5 (up from 3.6). Audacy Country US99 (WUSN) tumbled three spots to #8, posting its lowest share since the previous Holiday book at 3.6 (down from 4.8).

WLIT widened its cume dominance with a staggering 45.2% increase (1,321,800 to 1,918,900). The overall market edged up 0.8%, while PUMM dipped 1.1% month-to-month but soared 20.7% year-over-year.

25-54 Demo

WLIT powered to #1 in double digits, improving on last Holiday by roughly a share and a half. WTMX eased to #2 with a modest gain. Cumulus Alternative Q101 (WKQX) stepped down to #3 but notched its highest share in over a year. Cumulus Classic Hits WLS-FM made the demo's biggest move, rocketing from #17 to #4. iHeartMedia Urban Power 92 (WGCI) edged up to a tied #5 with a small increase, joined by flat Hubbard Adult Hits Throwback 100.3 (WTBC), which climbed from #9. iHeartMedia Top 40 103.5 Kiss FM (WKSC) fell from #4 to #7, while TelevisaUnivision Regional Mexican Qué Buena 105.1 (WOJO) dropped from #5 to #9. Demo PUMM declined 1.6% from November but jumped 21.6% year-over-year.

Another commanding Holiday performance from WLIT underscores the enduring power of Christmas music in the Windy City.

🎄Dallas-Ft. Worth – The Star Leads The Faithful

iHeartMedia Adult Contemporary Star 102.1 (KDGE) flipped to all-Christmas on just the second day of the survey—and the early move paid off handsomely. The station vaulted from #4 to #1 with an 8.6 share (up from 4.8), topping its already solid 7.1 from Holiday 2024.

Cumulus Sports The Ticket (KTCK-AM/FM 96.7/1310) eased to #2 with 6.3 (down slightly from 6.4). Cumulus Country 99.5 The Wolf (KPLX) climbed to #3, posting 5.5 (up from 5.1) and marking its highest share since March. Cumulus Country New Country 96.3 (KSCS) dipped to #4 with 5.3 (up from 5.0) .iHeartMedia Hot AC Mix 102.9 (KDMX) held steady at #5 with a modest gain to 4.5 (from 4.4), now standing alone after its former tie partner, TelevisaUnivision Regional Mexican Qué Buena 94.1 (KLNO), slipped to #6 with 4.1 (down from 4.4). 

KDGE extended its cume leadership with a robust 32.8% increase (1,190,400 to 1,581,100). The overall market dipped 0.3%, while PUMM fell 3.8% month-to-month but rose a strong 18.7% year-over-year.

25-54 Demo
KDGE rocketed from #5 to #1, surpassing last Holiday's performance by more than a share. Former co-leaders KTCK and KLNO split apart: KTCK eased to #2 with a small uptick, while KLNO fell to #3 with a minor decline. KPLX repeated at #4 with a slight gain. KDMX dropped to #5, marking its third consecutive down book. Demo PUMM declined 2.5% from November but improved 12.2% year-over-year.

Once again, the Christmas music star shone brightest in Dallas-Ft. Worth, delivering KDGE a decisive Holiday victory.

🎄Houston-Galveston – Santa Is Sunny

iHeartMedia Adult Contemporary Sunny 99.1 (KODA) embraced the holiday spirit early, flipping to all-Christmas on the second day of the survey—and the result was nothing short of spectacular. The station solidified its grip on #1 with a colossal 16.4 share (up from 8.7), easily eclipsing its already dominant 11.2 from Holiday 2024.

Urban One Urban AC Majic 102.1 (KMJQ) held steady at #2 with 7.8 (down slightly from 8.1). Urban One Country 93Q Country (KKBQ) remained at #3 with 5.7 (down from 6.0). Audacy Hot AC Mix 96.5 (KHMX) delivered its strongest performance in over a year, surging from #8 to #4 with 4.9 (up from 4.1). Hope Media Contemporary Christian KSBJ joined the holiday festivities in the third week of the survey and was rewarded with a climb from #10 to #5, posting 4.7 (up from 4.0).Cumulus Classic Rock The Eagle 106.9/107.5 (KGLK) eased to #6 with 4.5 (down from 4.9), while Cumulus Top 40 104.1 KRBE tumbled from #4 to #7, recording its lowest share since June at 4.0 (down from 5.3). 

KODA further widened its market-leading cume with an 18.9% increase (1,972,000 to 2,344,300). The overall market rose 0.4%, while PUMM dipped 1.8% month-to-month but climbed a healthy 13.8% year-over-year.

25-54 Demo
KODA extended its impressive run of #1 finishes with another massive gain, landing firmly in double digits and running nearly five shares ahead of last Holiday's pace. KMJQ advanced to #2 despite a minor dip. iHeartMedia Alternative 94.5 The Buzz (KTBZ) slipped to #3 with its weakest showing since June. SBS Regional Mexican La Ley 92.1 (KROI) rose to #4 with a small increase, while KKBQ climbed to #5. KRBE fell three spots to #7. Demo PUMM declined 1.2% from November but surged 19.2% year-over-year.

KODA's commanding Holiday performance—perhaps the most dominant Christmas music surge of any major market this year—continues to make Sunny 99.1 the unmistakable star of Houston's holiday radio season.

Nielsen Filing Claims Cumulus Wants 50 Percent Rate Reduction

Nielsen has aggressively defended itself in a recent federal court filing in New York, accusing Cumulus Media of seeking to renew its radio ratings contract at a drastically reduced rate—approximately 50% less than current terms—for the same comprehensive services.

In the heavily redacted document, Nielsen argues that Cumulus's demands in the ongoing antitrust lawsuit effectively ask the court to compel Nielsen to deliver its audience measurement services at an "untenable price" that the company says it has never offered or agreed to.

Nielsen describes Cumulus's request as "unprecedented," warning that granting it would set a dangerous precedent by "opening the door" to similar improper and frivolous demands from other subscribers to Nielsen's ratings data.

The filing frames the dispute as a straightforward contract negotiation rather than an antitrust violation, with Nielsen maintaining that Cumulus is attempting to use litigation to force unfavorable pricing terms amid stalled renewal talks for national and local radio ratings services.

FBI Surges Resources to MN Over Claims of Massive Fraud

FBI Director Kash Patel announced on December 28 that the bureau has deployed additional personnel and investigative resources to Minnesota to dismantle large-scale fraud schemes exploiting federal programs, including those highlighted in a viral video by independent journalist Nick Shirley. 

Patel described a prior $250 million COVID-era food aid fraud case as "the tip of a very large iceberg," emphasizing that fraud robbing taxpayers and vulnerable children remains a top priority, with potential denaturalization and deportation for eligible convicted individuals.

The announcement follows Shirley's 42-minute video, posted December 26 on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter), which has amassed over 100 million views. Shirley visited several licensed childcare centers in the Minneapolis area—such as the misspelled "Quality Learing Center"—licensed for dozens or hundreds of children but appearing abandoned or non-operational during weekday visits, with no children present and locked doors. 

🚨 Here is the full 42 minutes of my crew and I exposing Minnesota fraud, this might be my most important work yet. We uncovered over $110,000,000 in ONE day. Like it and share it around like wildfire! Its time to hold these corrupt politicians and fraudsters accountable

We ALL… pic.twitter.com/E3Penx2o7a

— Nick shirley (@nickshirleyy) December 26, 2025

He claims these facilities received millions in taxpayer funds through Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), with his team identifying over $110 million in suspicious payments in one day.

High-profile amplification from the Trump administration fueled the controversy: Vice President JD Vance reposted the video, calling Shirley's work "far more useful journalism than any of the winners of the 2024 Pulitzer prizes." 

Other figures, including Elon Musk, Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN), House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, echoed calls for accountability. 

The House Oversight Committee has demanded data from Gov. Tim Walz, Minnesota AG Keith Ellison, and federal agencies.

Minnesota officials defend their actions, with a spokesperson for Gov. Walz stating he has "worked for years to crack down on fraud," including hiring external auditors for high-risk programs, launching investigations into specific facilities (one already closed), shutting down certain services, and supporting ongoing criminal prosecutions. Walz's team emphasized that measures like expanded oversight and legislative requests for more authority predate the video.

Shirley's claims remain unverified allegations based on site visits and public records, though they have intensified national scrutiny amid political tensions.

Report: 2026 To Start With Increased Tension At CBS News

CBS News journalists reporting are circulating a petition urging Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison to protect the network's editorial independence following Editor in Chief Bari Weiss's decision to spike a "60 Minutes" segment on Venezuelan migrants deported to El Salvador's notorious CECOT prison.

The letter, obtained by The NY Post on Monday and set to be sent on Saturday, Jan. 3, is being signed by current and former CBS employees. An anonymous group of "prominent journalists" is organizing the effort, according to a source familiar with the initiative.

Weiss, hired by Ellison in October to bring more conservative perspectives to CBS News, pulled the segment hours before its scheduled Dec. 21 airdate. The piece featured correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi interviewing deportees who described brutal conditions at CECOT, where the Trump administration sent hundreds of Venezuelan men earlier in 2025.

David Ellison

Alfonsi accused Weiss of political interference, writing in an internal note that the decision was not editorial but political. She noted the story had undergone multiple rigorous reviews, including by CBS attorneys and standards teams, and that efforts to obtain White House comment had been made but declined. "If the administration’s refusal to participate becomes a valid reason to spike a story, we have effectively handed them a ‘kill switch’ for any reporting they find inconvenient," Alfonsi wrote.

Weiss defended the hold, stating the segment needed more context and voices, including from the administration, and that such delays are routine in newsrooms. She said she looks forward to airing the piece when ready.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions at CBS News since the Paramount-Skydance merger and Weiss's appointment, amid broader concerns about editorial direction under the new ownership. A source familiar with the letter called it "not crazy," emphasizing the importance of journalistic independence, but noted the anonymity of organizers as unusual.

Over 17,000 Media Jobs Slashed in 2025

Over 17,000 jobs were cut in the entertainment and media industry in the first 11 months of 2025, an 18% increase from the same period in 2024. This marks another challenging year for the sector, driven by consolidation, economic pressures, and the ongoing adoption of AI in newsrooms and content creation.

News media saw 2,254 job cuts (including broadcast, digital, and print), down 50% from 4,537 in the prior year, with 179 occurring in November alone.

Major organizations announced significant reductions amid these shifts:

• Dotdash Meredith (now People Inc.) laid off 143 employees in January to adapt to a rapidly changing media landscape, followed by 226 more (about 6% of staff) later in the year.
• Washington Post cut roughly 100 employees (4% of workforce), primarily in advertising, marketing, and IT.
• Forbes laid off 5% of its staff due to unmet financial goals.
• CNN eliminated 200 positions in January as part of a pivot to digital and preparation for a new streaming service.
• PBS cut 15% of its staff after losing $500 million in federal funding for public broadcasters.
• Business Insider laid off 21% of its workforce, citing opportunities to harness AI first.
• CBS News laid off about 100 people in October and canceled streaming companion shows for "CBS Mornings" and "CBS Evening News."
• NBC News laid off roughly 150 people.
• Condé Nast and Penske Media Corporation (PMC) implemented cuts, including at Teen Vogue, Variety, Rolling Stone, and Billboard.

These layoffs reflect broader industry challenges, including audience shifts, declining ad revenue, and the need to invest in new technologies and skills. While the sector faces ongoing pressure, the creator economy has emerged as a growth area amid the contraction.

2025's Top Rated TV Shows

The most-watched TV programs in 2025 remained dominated by live sports, with NFL games leading across broadcast networks like NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox. Sunday Night Football on NBC averaged nearly 19 million viewers, while Monday Night Football on ABC drew over 10 million.

Non-sports scripted shows saw strong performances from CBS procedurals like Tracker (averaging 11 million viewers, the top entertainment series) and Matlock (a hit new drama). ABC's High Potential tied closely with Tracker in multiplatform viewership (around 16.5 million per episode including streaming). CBS also excelled with comedies like Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage and Ghosts.

Tracker (CBS, starring Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw) is the top-watched scripted series on broadcast TV in 2025, virtually tied with ABC's High Potential as the most-viewed entertainment program (excluding sports and news) across multiplatform viewing (linear + streaming + timeshifted).Viewership Highlights (calendar year 2025, per Nielsen multiplatform data):

• Averaged ~16.4–16.5 million viewers per episode (including 35-day delayed viewing and streaming on Paramount+).
• Linear viewership: ~11 million per episode.
• Streaming/DVR boost: Added ~5–6 million viewers per episode.
• Season 3 premiere (Oct. 2025): ~13 million in live+7 multiplatform.
• Season 2 averaged ~17.5 million in 35-day multiplatform (top broadcast drama).

Tracker consistently ranks #1 among broadcast scripted shows, outpacing CBS siblings like Matlock (16.1 million), Ghosts (8–9 million), and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage (8 million). It led CBS to the top broadcast network spot in total viewers, with multiplatform data showing it rivaling streaming giants like Amazon's Reacher (18 million) and Netflix series.

Cable news on Fox News dominated viewership among outlets like CNN and MSNBC (now rebranded as MS Now), with shows such as The Five (often 3-4 million viewers) leading primetime. Fox News averaged over 2.7 million primetime viewers for the year, outpacing competitors significantly.

Other notable cable and broadcast highlights included reality staples like Survivor (CBS, ~6 million) and Dancing With the Stars (ABC, ~5-6 million), while Fox's animated lineup (e.g., The Simpsons, Bob's Burgers) held steady but lower.

Overall, CBS ranked as the top broadcast network in total viewers, followed by NBC and ABC, while Fox News was the leading cable network. Multiplatform (linear + streaming) data boosted scripted shows' numbers, with Tracker and High Potential emerging as 2025's standout broadcast hits.

Report: MS NOW Sees Double-Digit Growth

MS NOW, the cable news network formerly known as MSNBC, has reported double-digit viewership growth in total day and weekday primetime since its November 15, 2025, rebrand, with primetime audiences now double those of a decade ago despite a shrinking cable landscape.

The gains come amid a challenging period for cable news, where overall households with cable have declined significantly. 

Network executives attribute the increases to strong post-election coverage, loyal on-air talent, and a $20 million marketing campaign emphasizing "Same mission. New name."

The rebrand stemmed from Comcast's spin-off of MSNBC and other channels into the new company Versant, severing ties to NBCUniversal, the NBC name, peacock logo, and shared news resources. MS NOW (a backronym for "My Source for News, Opinion, and the World") relocated to new studios at 229 West 43rd Street in New York, built its own newsroom with about 100 new hires, and formed partnerships like one with Sky News for international reporting.

Programming, hosts (including Rachel Maddow, Joe Scarborough, and Jen Psaki), and the network's progressive-leaning editorial direction remain unchanged. Host Stephanie Ruhle playfully dubbed the new brand "MS WOW" on air, inspiring headlines celebrating the early ratings success.

While MS NOW still trails Fox News by a wide margin, the post-rebrand bump—highlighted in a December 29, 2025, Forbes article—marks a rare bright spot in the industry.

Podcast Industry Trends in 2025

In 2025, the podcast industry experienced robust growth, maturing into a mainstream media format with significant audience expansion, technological integration, and evolving monetization strategies. Global listenership reached approximately 584 million people (up ~7% from 2024), with projections to hit 619 million by 2026. The market was valued at around $39–40 billion, driven by advertising, subscriptions, and emerging models like video content.

🎤Key Trends

Explosive Rise of Video Podcasts
Video became a defining shift, with 51% of U.S. adults having watched a podcast video. YouTube emerged as the top platform for consumption and discovery (33–42% of weekly listeners), surpassing Spotify (26–37%) and Apple Podcasts (14–33%). Platforms like Spotify expanded video libraries to over 330,000 titles, boosting engagement and retention. Video podcasts attracted younger, diverse audiences and opened new ad revenue streams (reaching ~$1.4 billion).

AI Integration Across Production and Creation
AI tools streamlined workflows, from editing (e.g., removing filler words) and transcription to content generation and personalization. Startups like Inception Point AI produced thousands of AI-generated episodes weekly, leading to over 175,000 shows and debates on quality vs. quantity. AI enhanced monetization through targeted ads and analytics, but raised concerns about "AI fatigue" and authenticity.

Niche and Educational Content Dominance
Listeners favored specialized, value-driven shows in genres like comedy, news/politics, true crime, sports, business, and education. Niche podcasts built loyal audiences, outperforming broad formats in engagement and monetization.

Monetization Diversification
Global ad spending hit $4.5 billion (up ~11% from 2024), with U.S. ad revenue at ~$2.5–2.6 billion. Host-read ads remained trusted, while programmatic/dynamic insertion grew. Creators increasingly used subscriptions (e.g., Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Patreon), direct listener support, merchandise, live events, and video ad revenue.

Platform Shifts and Discovery
YouTube's dominance in discovery (via search and recommendations) challenged traditional apps. Cross-promotion (e.g., podcast swaps) and social media clips drove growth amid rising competition (over 4.5–5 million podcasts globally, with ~500,000 active).

Audience Demographics and Habits
U.S. monthly listeners reached 55% of adults (158 million), with weekly listening at 40%. Younger groups (12–34) showed high engagement, while older demographics grew. Listeners spent 8–9+ hours weekly, often multitasking.

Challenges and Outlook
Saturation increased competition, with "podfade" affecting inactive shows. Regulatory and ethical debates around AI content persisted, but overall optimism prevailed, with the market projected to exceed $130 billion by 2030.

2025 solidified podcasting as a versatile, high-engagement medium, blending audio intimacy with video's visual appeal and AI's efficiency. Creators who prioritized authenticity, niches, and multi-format strategies thrived.

'Southern Pop' Is Emerging From Nashville

Nashville's emerging "Southern Pop" genre dominated the global music landscape in 2025, with the city's songwriters claiming over half of Billboard Hot 100 spots at peak times and reshaping mainstream pop through fearless, boundary-blurring sounds.

In a Dec. 29 article for The Tennessean, country music reporter Marcus K. Dowling declared 2025 the year Nashville disrupted pop music, driven by a hybrid style fusing authentic Southern storytelling, hip-hop rhythms, catchy pop hooks, and raw bluesy/soulful roots. 

This "unprecedented" mix, amplified by TikTok virality and post-COVID creative freedom, prioritized visceral, poetry-like lyrics and emotional vulnerability to capture mainstream appeal.

At the forefront stands 21-year-old Alabama-raised artist Jessie Murph, whose sophomore album Sex Hysteria (released July 2025 via Columbia Records) embodies the trend. The raw, vulnerable project—featuring hits like the revenge anthem "Blue Strips" and "Touch Me Like A Gangster"—draws '60s soul influences (echoing Adele and Amy Winehouse) while selling out large venues, such as Nashville's 7,000-seat Ascend Amphitheater. 

Murph credits the music with helping fans embrace vulnerability.

Grammy-nominated Nashville songwriter Laura Veltz plays a pivotal role, co-writing much of Sex Hysteria (including "Blue Strips") and past crossovers like Maren Morris' "The Bones." She champions "risk-driven poetry" without boundaries, particularly empowering female artists.

Other contributors include songwriter Ben Johnson, behind hits blending genres for acts like BigXthaPlug and Bailey Zimmerman.

Dowling predicts continued growth for Southern Pop as audiences crave heartfelt, genre-defying songs born from therapy-like collaborations and social media momentum.

Special TV Coverage To Ring-In The New Year

Here are the New Year's Eve 2025-2026 (ringing in 2026) coverage plans for the major networks. All times are Eastern, and these are live specials featuring music, countdowns, and celebrations (often including Times Square ball drop coverage where applicable).

ABC: Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026 — Live from Times Square (with segments from Las Vegas, Chicago, Puerto Rico, and more). Hosts: Ryan Seacrest (NYC/Times Square) with Rita Ora; Chance the Rapper (Central Time countdown from Chicago); Rob Gronkowski and Julianne Hough (Las Vegas). Features major performances (including Diana Ross headlining). Starts at 8:00 p.m. ET, runs until around 4:00 a.m. ET. Streams next day on Hulu.

CBS: New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash — Country music-themed special from Nashville (with the Music Note Drop at midnight). Hosts: Bert Kreischer and HARDY. Headliners: Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman, plus performances from Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, and more. Starts at 8:00 p.m. ET (with a break for local news), runs until around 1:30 a.m. ET. Streams on Paramount+.

NBC: No traditional live countdown special. The planned Snoop Dogg-hosted event was canceled due to scheduling conflicts (related to NBC's 2026 Winter Olympics coverage). Instead, a year-in-review special A Toast to 2025! airs around 10:30 p.m. ET (co-hosted by Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager). Followed by Fireworks Around the World at 12:30 a.m. ET.

Fox News: Three one-hour specials (year-in-review format, no live ball drop countdown).9:00 p.m. ET: A New Year with Kat & Tyrus (hosts: Kat Timpf and Tyrus, with guests).
8:00 p.m. ET: Who Can Forget 2025? (with Brian Kilmeade, Tomi Lahren, and others).
11:00 p.m. ET: All-American New Year’s Bash (host: Jimmy Failla, with Tomi Lahren and comedians). Focuses on recaps, not live celebrations.

CNN: New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen — Live from Times Square. Hosts: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen (ninth year together). Features music, comedy, celebrity guests, and global coverage. All-day programming starts at 7:00 a.m. ET; primetime special at 8:00 p.m. ET (until around 12:30 a.m. ET). Streams on Max and CNN.com.

MSNOW: No dedicated New Year's Eve special announced. 

For the Times Square ball drop itself (the most iconic moment), it's covered live on ABC, CNN, and via free webcasts on TimesSquareNYC.org and YouTube. Local affiliates may also air it. Check your local listings for exact times, as they can vary slightly.