Texas Flooding Death Toll Rises to 59, Including 21 Children

Hundreds of children at summer campsites along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County were at risk early Friday when a catastrophic flash flood killed at least 59 people, a tragedy that has prompted a continued search for a group of missing children from one of the region’s most popular camps.

In the aftermath, questions are focusing on the accuracy of weather forecasting, the area’s flash flood alert system and whether camp staff were properly notified of the danger.

State and local officials in Kerr County say that much of what happened was not in the National Weather Service forecast and that evacuating the campgrounds likely could not have happened fast enough and may have posed more danger.

Meteorologists say the official National Weather Service forecast gave ample notice for people to get themselves – and others – out of harm’s way.

Were officials prepared for historic and catastrophic flooding? 

State and local officials say nothing could have prepared them for the Guadalupe River to rise as quickly as it did. 

Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said he went for a run around 3:30 a.m. Friday along the river and felt light rain but saw no signs of danger. Within 90 minutes, he returned to the same area with the city’s fire chief to see that a park area that was the planned site of a city July 4 celebration was under water.

The water had risen about 20 to 25 feet within that hour and a half, he said. 

“We almost got stuck,” Rice told the Houston Chronicle.

🚨 FOX NEWS ALERT: 18 adults and 14 children now confirmed deceased after the Flash Floods in Texas, bringing the total up to 32 deaths.

Pray for the Families. 🙏🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/1rTdqsCNlY

— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) July 5, 2025

What had the National Weather Service predicted? 

Forecasters in the Austin-New Braunfels National Weather Service office issued a flash flood watch at 1:18 p.m. Thursday, said Troy Kimmel, an Austin-based meteorologist and former lecturer at the University of Texas who specializes in meteorological emergency management. 

The watch bulletin said “you should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.”

In the overnight hours, rain settled in Kerr County.

“The sky fell,” Kimmel said. “It was still the middle of the night, but that does not mean people should not be monitoring.” 

In Kerr County,
Kerrville Texas.

The Texas Hill Country flood

Timelapse flooding of the Llano River on July 4th! pic.twitter.com/QdAOjcxd2w

— Jakey (@JacobBaker613) July 5, 2025

Flash flood warnings for parts of the Hill Country began at 11:41 p.m. Thursday. The warning for central Kerr County was issued at 1:14 a.m. Friday and remained valid until 4:15 a.m.

“Life-threatening flash flooding of creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses,” it warned.

Kimmel acknowledged that predicted rainfall totals fell short of what happened, but “at the same time the watches and warnings were there.”

Kimmel concluded, “the weather service did its job. As a user and partner of those people, they know I will criticize them, but I am not going to do that at this point. To say this is something they did not expect, that tells me their emergency plan did not work.”

Warnings Of Catastrophic Flooding Came While People Slept

On Thursday at 1:18 p.m., the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood watch for eight counties, including Kerr County, home to Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp severely impacted by flooding. 

Kerr County, known for its riverside camps, RV parks, and vacation hotels, became the hardest-hit area. Forecasters predicted 3 to 7 inches of rain.

The Wall Street Journal reported that a flash flood warning, indicating imminent or ongoing flooding, was issued at 1:14 a.m. Friday by the NWS San Antonio office, hours before the Guadalupe River surged. By 3:14 a.m., a rare flash flood emergency was declared for the region.Torrential rain, fueled by remnants of Tropical Storm Barry, poured up to 18 inches in three hours in parts of the Texas Hill Country, according to Texas state climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon. Stagnant wind patterns prolonged the extreme rainfall. 

By 3 a.m., the Guadalupe River at Camp Mystic reached flood stage, with the worst flooding occurring between 4 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. AccuWeather chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter described the river rising 30 feet in an hour, turning from a shallow, slow flow into a raging torrent—a rare but not unprecedented event in the region.

A flood gauge in Hunt, downstream from Camp Mystic, stopped transmitting at 4:35 a.m. At 5:10 a.m., the NWS urged residents to seek higher ground as water levels at Hunt surged. 

A Kerrville resident recounts her escape from the deadly flash flooding that claimed 24 lives and left more than two dozen missing in central Texas. https://t.co/Wc8nnoeRxP pic.twitter.com/LxEygKVlcM

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) July 5, 2025

Flood watches and warnings were relayed via an emergency alert system to cellphones in the area, according to an NWS San Angelo meteorologist.Despite recent federal cutbacks leaving the San Antonio NWS office short six of 26 staff (including two forecasters) and the San Angelo office short four of 23 (also including two forecasters), Tom Fahy, legislative director of the National Weather Service Employees Organization, confirmed the staffing shortages did not impair the offices’ ability to issue timely flood warnings.

How News Media Is Covering Tragedy In Texas

The catastrophic flooding in Kerr County, Texas, along the Guadalupe River, has been extensively covered by prominent news outlets, including radio, TV, and major newspapers, both locally and nationally. The coverage focuses on the devastating impact, the ongoing rescue efforts, the high death toll, and the challenges faced by emergency responders and local officials. 

📺Television Coverage

ABC News: ABC News provided detailed updates on the flooding, reporting a death toll of at least 43, including 28 adults and 15 children, with 23 to 25 campers missing from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls. They highlighted the rapid rise of the Guadalupe River by 26 feet in 45 minutes and included personal accounts, such as a camper named Katie who described a frantic evacuation from an RV park. Coverage emphasized the ongoing rescue efforts, with 850 people rescued, and included visuals of flooded areas and reunification centers. ABC News also noted Governor Greg Abbott’s expanded emergency declaration for multiple counties and his request for federal aid.

NBC News: NBC News reported at least 47 deaths across three counties, with Kerr County being the hardest hit, and 27 girls missing from Camp Mystic. They described the flooding as an “extraordinary catastrophe,” with 237 rescues, including 167 by helicopter. Coverage included statements from Governor Abbott, who vowed non-stop search efforts, and visuals of helicopters ferrying campers to safety. NBC also highlighted the historical context, comparing the event to the 1987 Guadalupe River flood.

CBS News: CBS News reported at least 32 deaths and 27 missing campers from Camp Mystic, labeling the event a “mass casualty event.” They included firsthand accounts from survivors and emphasized the scale of destruction, with visuals of damaged vehicles and debris along the river. Coverage also noted the involvement of federal agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard and FEMA, activated by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Fox News Channel has provided extensive coverage of the catastrophic flash flooding in Kerr County, Texas, along the Guadalupe River on July 4-5, 2025, focusing on the devastating impact, ongoing rescue efforts, and the human toll.

Fox News has been delivering real-time updates through posts on X and their website. They initially reported at least 6 deaths on July 4, which quickly escalated to 25 deaths across Kerr and Kendall Counties by the evening of July 4, and later confirmed at least 32 deaths, including 14 children, by July 5. They highlighted the severe flooding that caused the Guadalupe River to surge nearly 30 feet in an hour, devastating Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls.

Fox News emphasized the tragedy at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, where 27 girls remain missing. They reported the deaths of three campers, including Janie Hunt, confirmed by her mother, Anne Hunt, to Fox News Digital. The outlet also noted that two North Texas girls were among the missing, as shared by their parents. Coverage included the emotional toll on families, with authorities urging those seeking information to contact the Red Cross.

Fox News reported that the National Guard was deployed on July 4 to assist with rescue operations, with over 850 people rescued, including many by helicopter. They highlighted a positive story of a young girl who survived by floating on a mattress for hours, as shared by Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX). The outlet also noted Governor Greg Abbott’s commitment to relentless search efforts for the missing.

Fox News senior correspondent Mike Tobin provided live updates from Kerrville on Fox Report, describing the complete devastation at a campground. The outlet shared video footage capturing the aftermath, including scenes of debris, damaged RVs, and first responders surveying the rising floodwaters. A local funeral home’s statement to Fox News Digital about being overwhelmed underscored the scale of the tragedy.

Fox Weather: Fox Weather focused on the “deadly flood wave” that pushed a 20-foot surge down the Guadalupe River, killing at least 32 and leaving 27 campers missing. They provided video footage showing the destruction of nearly 50 RVs and tiny homes in Kerrville, alongside live updates from correspondent Mike Tobin in Kerrville. The outlet emphasized the ongoing search for missing girls from Camp Mystic and shared the camp’s statement about catastrophic flooding.

KSAT (San Antonio, ABC Affiliate): Local station KSAT provided on-the-ground coverage, including video of floodwaters rushing through Kerr County and firsthand accounts from survivors like Bud Bolton, who described RVs being swept away with people inside. Meteorologist Sarah Spivey explained the “rain bomb” phenomenon, linking it to the region’s history of drought followed by extreme rainfall. KSAT also reported the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office urging residents to shelter in place.

➤Newspaper and Online Coverage

The Wall Street Journal: The Wall Street Journal reported the issuance of a flash flood warning at 1:14 a.m. Friday and a flash flood emergency two hours later, emphasizing the rapid escalation of the crisis. They noted the role of Tropical Storm Barry’s remnants, which dumped up to 18 inches of rain in three hours, and quoted Texas state climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon on the stalled weather system that exacerbated the flooding. The outlet also highlighted staffing shortages at NWS offices but clarified these did not impact warning issuance.

The New York Times: The New York Times covered the flooding as a tragedy exacerbated by climate change, with at least 24 deaths and 20 to 25 girls missing from Camp Mystic. They provided vivid imagery of the destruction, including a damaged recreation hall at the camp, and reported on the challenges faced by rescuers due to downed power lines and washed-out roads. The outlet noted the lack of a local warning system, as stated by Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, and the underestimation of risks by some NWS alerts.

The Washington Post: The Washington Post described the flooding as a result of extraordinary atmospheric conditions, with 1.8 trillion gallons of rain falling over the Texas Hill Country. They quoted Kerrville police officer Jonathan Lamb calling it the “worst flood” ever seen and highlighted the role of a moist air mass from Tropical Storm Barry. The outlet also addressed criticism of the NWS by local officials, countered by the NWS union’s claim that forecasting offices were adequately prepared despite vacancies.

Houston Chronicle: The Houston Chronicle emphasized the regional impact, noting that Houston-area first responders, including Texas Task Force 1, were deployed to assist. They reported on the rescue efforts and the emotional toll on families, with desperate pleas for information about missing loved ones shared on social media. The outlet also provided safety tips for dealing with floodwaters.

San Antonio Express-News: Local coverage included eyewitness accounts, such as Bud Bolton’s description of a “pitch black wall of death” and Thomas Rux’s experience of his vehicle being swept away. The newspaper highlighted the rapid rise of the river and the devastation of RV parks and cabins, with helicopters rescuing people trapped in trees.

Texas Tribune: The Texas Tribune reported multiple deaths and ongoing rescues, focusing on the lack of advance warning and the absence of a local warning system, as admitted by Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly. They also provided resources for those affected and safety tips for dealing with flood warnings, reflecting the recurring nature of flooding in the region known as “flash flood alley.”

Associated Press (AP): The AP reported at least 27 deaths and 20 to 25 missing girls from Camp Mystic, emphasizing the flash flood’s status as the nation’s top storm-related killer. They detailed the river’s 26-foot surge in 45 minutes and shared survivor stories, like Erin Burgess clinging to a tree with her son. The AP also noted the lack of emergency alerts for some residents and the emotional scenes at reunification centers.

➤Radio Coverage

NPR (Texas Public Radio): NPR, via Texas Public Radio, provided comprehensive coverage, reporting 27 deaths and 27 missing campers from Camp Mystic. They highlighted Governor Abbott’s disaster declaration for multiple counties and the deployment of 500 responders and 14 helicopters. NPR included emotional stories, such as Tanya Powell searching for her missing 21-year-old daughter, and provided visual documentation of the destruction, including damaged cabins and debris. They also noted the historical context of the 1987 Guadalupe River flood.

Happy 249th Birthday America!

The United States Declaration of Independence is the statement adopted by the Second Continental Congress meeting at the Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall) in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776.

The Declaration announced that the thirteen American colonies then at war with the Kingdom of Great Britain would regard themselves as thirteen independent sovereign states no longer under British rule. With the Declaration, these new states took a collective first step toward forming the United States of America. The declaration was signed by representatives from New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

The Lee Resolution for independence was passed on July 2 with no opposing votes. The Committee of Five had drafted the Declaration to be ready when Congress voted on independence. John Adams, a leader in pushing for independence, had persuaded the committee to select Thomas Jefferson to compose the original draft of the document, which Congress edited to produce the final version.

The Declaration was a formal explanation of why Congress had voted to declare independence from Great Britain, more than a year after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. Adams wrote to his wife Abigail, "The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America" – although Independence Day is actually celebrated on July 4, the date that the wording of the Declaration of Independence was approved.

Having served its original purpose in announcing independence, references to the text of the Declaration were few in the following years. Abraham Lincoln made it the centerpiece of his policies and his rhetoric, as in the Gettysburg Address of 1863. Since then, it has become a well-known statement on human rights, particularly its second sentence:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

This has been called "one of the best-known sentences in the English language", containing "the most potent and consequential words in American history".

Have a Safe Holiday, Media Confidential Returns Monday, July 7th!

Radio History: July 4

➦In 1776...US Congress proclaimed the Declaration of Independence and independence from Great Britain.

➦In 1884...Attorney and radio station manager George W. Trendle was born in Norwalk Ohio. He became co-owner/manager of Detroit radio station WXYZ, and oversaw the creation and development of three classic action/adventure radio series aimed at young audiences, The Lone Ranger, The Green Hornet and Sgt. Preston of the Yukon, all of which later made a transition to TV.  An avowed penny-pincher, Trendle insisted that the music used on these shows be classical, to avoid paying royalty fees. He died May 10 1972 at age 87.

George W. Trendle

During the 1920s, George W. Trendle had established a reputation as a tough negotiator specializing in movie contracts and leases. Trendle became involved in the Detroit area entertainment business in 1928 when local motion picture theater owner John H. Kunsky offered Trendle 25 percent ownership in exchange for his services.

Trendle and Kunsky formed the Kunsky-Trendle Broadcasting Company in 1929 after purchasing Detroit radio station WGHP. The radio station's call letters were changed to WXYZ.

Trendle was the president and Kunsky was the vice president of the company. Trendle was active as the station manager. Kunsky is rarely mentioned except as co-owner.

WXYZ was initially affiliated with the Columbia Broadcasting System but became an independent station within a year. (WXYZ is now WXYT Detroit)  Trendle's partner, Kunsky, legally changed his name to King in 1936, and the Kunsky-Trendle Broadcasting Company became the King-Trendle Broadcasting Company. WXYZ improved its technical facilities through the 1930s, expanding its studios, raising its daytime power from 1,000 to 5,000 watts in the late 1930s, and increasing nighttime power to 5,000 watts in time for its mandated 1941 move from 1240 to 1270 kHz under the North American Radio Broadcasting Agreement.

In 1931, Kunsky-Trendle acquired WASH and WOOD in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The two stations merged facilities, including studios and transmitters, but retained both station licenses. WASH was on the air from 8 a.m. to noon, and WOOD from noon to midnight. WOOD-WASH became an NBC Red affiliate in 1935. King and Trendle decided to drop the WASH license in 1942, keeping the WOOD identification.

In 1946, the newly formed American Broadcasting Company purchased the King-Trendle Broadcasting Company and its radio stations for $3.65 million. This sale was for the broadcast facilities (including WOOD, WXYZ, and the Michigan Regional Network) and a construction permit for what would later become WXYZ-TV (channel 7) but did not include ownership of Trendle's radio programs. The FCC approved ABC's purchase on July 18, 1946. In 1952, Paramount Theaters (owners of Kunsky and Trendle's former chain of Detroit area theaters) acquired ABC, including WXYZ. WXYZ (now using the call sign WXYT) is today owned by CBS, the network Trendle dropped shortly after taking over the station.

Trendle entered into a new partnership with long term business associates H. Allen Campbell and Raymond Meurer. The Trendle-Campbell Broadcasting Company was formed in 1946 and started radio station WTCB in Flint, Michigan. The new radio station went on the air April 26, 1946, with a four-tower 1000-watt broadcast array. The call letters were later changed to WTAC. In 1953, they added UHF television station WTAC-TV affiliated with ABC-TV and DuMont. The TV station went out of business less than a year later because too few TVs at the time were equipped to receive UHF channels. The radio station has changed owners several times and its call sign was changed to WSNL in 1997. The station is currently owned by The Christian Broadcasting System. Three of the four towers were demolished in 2003 to make room for redevelopment of the site. The fourth tower was removed in 2004 after new transmitting facilities were completed in Gaines Township, southwest of Flint.

Penny pinching

The Kunsky-Trendle business venture began at the start of the Great Depression, and Trendle took many cost-cutting moves that earned him a reputation as a penny-pincher. According to Dick Osgood in his book Wyxie Wonderland: An Unauthorized 50-Year Diary of WXYZ Detroit, he was assisted by H. Allen Campbell.

Campbell was an advertising salesman for the Hearst organization whom Trendle hired to find sponsors for his radio programs. Campbell is credited with signing Silvercup Bread as the first sponsor for the Lone Ranger series. This was a big account and helped to bring the show to nationwide syndication. Apparently, Campbell's contributions to the business were significant. He continued working for Trendle for the next twenty years and eventually became one of Trendle's business partners.

Campbell reportedly kept a set of books to show employees that the company was losing money and could not afford to pay higher salaries. Trendle and Campbell often responded to employee requests for salary increases by downplaying their value to the company and threatening to fire them. This threat was particularly effective during the Depression.

Trendle specified the music on WXYZ shows should be non-copyrighted classical so that the music was royalty-free. This is the reason that the William Tell Overture was adopted as the Lone Ranger theme and The Flight of the Bumble Bee became the theme for the Green Hornet show.



New programming

Fran Striker

In June 1932, Trendle decided to drop the network affiliation to operate WXYZ as an independent station. His station would produce its own radio drama series and broadcast locally produced music programs rather than pay for syndicated programs. Jim Jewell was hired as the station's dramatic director and supplied the actors from his own repertory company, the "Jewell Players." Freelance radio writer Fran Striker was hired to write many of these programs. The earliest dramatic radio series included Thrills of the Secret Service, Dr. Fang, and Warner Lester, Manhunter. Striker wrote many of the scripts and eventually became head of WXYZ's script department.

Late in 1932, Trendle began discussing ideas to create a new radio series with a cowboy as the hero. He wanted a mysterious hero who would have the same type of appeal as Zorro or Robin Hood. The target audience included children, so Trendle insisted on a wholesome hero with high moral standards. Trendle worked out the basic concept of a masked vigilante, a lone Texas ranger with a big white horse, in staff meetings with Jim Jewell and studio manager Harold True. Then it was turned over to Fran Striker to flesh out the details and provide the scripts. His contributions included silver bullets and an Indian companion. The result was The Lone Ranger, which began broadcasting January 30, 1933, on WXYZ and the seven other stations of the Michigan Regional Network.

Fred Foy (far right) during a broadcast of THE LONE RANGER at WXYZ, Detroit. At left are  John Todd (Tonto) and Brace Beemer (the Lone Ranger)

The Lone Ranger was an almost immediate hit. In May, a free popgun was offered to the first 300 listeners to send a written request; the station received nearly 25,000 replies. In July, the Lone Ranger made a public appearance at a park and a crowd estimated at 70,000 gathered.

By the beginning of 1934, the show was syndicated to WGN, Chicago, and WOR, Newark. Other stations soon followed. The live broadcasts were transmitted over telephone lines to the other stations. When the Mutual Broadcasting System was created in 1934, WXYZ became a charter member and the Lone Ranger program was featured on the Mutual Network. Although WXYZ dropped out to join NBC Blue about a year later, contractual obligations kept The Lone Ranger on Mutual until 1942, during this period The Lone Ranger was produced at WXYZ but heard in the Detroit area over Mutual's new affiliate, CKLW. It then switched to the NBC Blue Network, which became ABC in 1943. The popularity of the series rapidly grew and it was eventually heard on 249 radio stations nationwide.

➦In 1913...Radio, TV personality Virginia Graham was born in Chicago.

In the 1940’s she wrote scripts for such radio soap operas as Stella Dallas, Our Gal Sunday, and Backstage Wife. She hosted her first radio talk show in 1951. She succeeded Margaret Truman in 1956 as co-host of the NBC radio show Weekday, teamed with Mike Wallace. She was hostess of TV talk shows from the 50’s to the 70’s that are considered forerunners to today’s daytime TV. She was best known for the nationally syndicated ‘Girl Talk’ on ABC from 1963-1969, ‘The Virginia Graham Show’ from 1970-1972, and guesting on other talk shows, including a dozen appearances on ‘The Tonight Show.’

She died following a heart attack Dec 22, 1998 at age 85.

➦In 1916...the woman tried for treason after WW II as notorious broadcaster Tokyo Rose, Iva Toguri D’Aquino was born in Los Angeles.  She was one of at least a dozen women who did Japanese propaganda broadcasts from Radio Tokyo.   The post-war trial convicted her on just one innoquous charge not involving treason, while she claimed to have subtly subverted the Japanese war effort, and was eventually pardoned by President Ford.  She died Sept. 26 2006 at age 90.

➦In 1929...WOWO-AM, Fort Wayne, Indiana lost its transmitter due to a fire.

WOWO resumed broadcasting the next day, as operations were moved across the street until damages could be repaired. In November 1929, the station held a grand opening of the rebuilt studios.

➦In 1958...WKBW 1520 AM, Buffalo, changed its format to "Top 40".

Radio History: July 5

Don Dunphy

➦In 1908...Sportscaster Don Dunphy born (Died at age 90 – July 22, 1998).  He specialized in boxing broadcasts. Dunphy was noted for his fast-paced delivery and enthusiasm for the sport. It is estimated that he did "blow-by-blow" action for over 2,000 fights. The Friday Night Fights were broadcast every Friday evening from (radio and television (1939–1981) 9 P.M. to 10:45 P.M on ABC.

In 1984, Dunphy was part of the American Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame's inaugural class which included sportscasting legends Red Barber, Ted Husing, Graham McNamee and Bill Stern. He was also a member of the organization's Board of Directors. He was elected in 1986 to the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame.

Dunphy was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1988 and had a memorable cameo appearance in the 1971 Woody Allen movie Bananas. He appears as the commentator in the 1977 biopic of Muhammad Ali, "The Greatest". He also called all of the fights in the 1980 United Artists film Raging Bull, which was directed by Martin Scorsese. In 1982, he won the Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcasting Journalism in boxing. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

➦In 1927...actress Beverly Tyler was born in Scranton Pa.  She began her career singing on the radio, and later was a vocalist on such TV variety shows as Shower of Stars & Cavalcade of Stars.  She played the hero “Steve Wilson’s” love interest Lorelei Kilbourne on the TV version of Big Town in the early 50’s.  Later after marrying Jim Jordan Jr. she produced “Fibber McGee’s” grandson. She died at age 78 of a pulmonary embolism on Nov. 23, 2005.

➦In 1929...WOWO-AM, Fort Wayne, Indiana went back on the air - one day after a transmitter fire. In November 1929, the station held a grand opening.

➦In 1943...After a three-month run with J.B. Williams in the title role on the New England Network, the detective series "The Adventures of Nero Wolfe," now starring Santos Ortega, moved to ABC Radio. Luis Van Rooten succeeded Ortega the following year. Between 1943 and 1982, Wolfe was portrayed in four radio series on five different networks.

➦In 1945...Ann Sothern starred on CBS Radio as Maisie in The Adventures Of Maisie, based on the motion picture series. The 2-year network run was followed by a 4-year syndicated version, featuring a who’s who of Hollywood radio veterans.

Lucille Ball, Richard Denning

➦In 1948...“My Favorite Husband”, with Lucille Ball, first aired and became the gifted redhead’s first regular program on CBS Radio Network. Lee Bowman, and later, Richard Denning, co-starred with Lucy as “two people who live together and like it.” She would use the character as a stepping stone to TV’s iconic classic “I Love Lucy” three years later.

➦In 1951..."The Silver Eagle," a radio series starring Jim Ameche as Jim West of the Canadian Northwest Mounted Police, began its four-year run on ABC Radio.   The show followed the traditions of Fran Striker's The Lone Ranger and Challenge of the Yukon.

➦In 1951...Dr. William Shockley made the announcement that he had invented a junction transistor.

Radio History: July 6

➦In 1921...in an experiment, Western Union transmitted by radio its first halftone photograph. AT&T followed in 1924, and RCA sent a Radiophoto in 1926. The Associated Press began its Wirephoto service in 1935 and held a trademark on the term AP Wirephoto between 1963 and 2004. The first AP photo sent by wire depicted the crash of a small plane in New York's Adirondack Mountains.

Technologically and commercially, the wirephoto was the successor to Ernest A. Hummel's Telediagraph of 1895, which had transmitted electrically scanned shellac-on-foil originals over a dedicated circuit connecting the New York Herald and the Chicago Times Herald, the St. Louis Republic, the Boston Herald, and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

➦In 1925...rock `n’ roll pioneer Bill Haley (William John Clifton Haley Jr.) was born in Highland Park, near Detroit (Died of a brain tumor at age 55  – February 9, 1981).

Bill Haley

He is credited by many with first popularizing this form of music in the early 1950s with his group Bill Haley & His Comets and million-selling hits such as "Rock Around the Clock", "See You Later, Alligator", "Shake, Rattle and Roll", "Rocket 88", "Skinny Minnie", and "Razzle Dazzle". He has sold over 60 million records worldwide and has been described as the greatest musical pioneer of the 20th century.

In 1929, the four-year-old Haley underwent an inner-ear mastoid operation which accidentally severed an optic nerve, leaving him blind in his left eye for the rest of his life. It is said that he adopted his trademark kiss curl over his right eye to draw attention from his left, but it also became his "gimmick", and added to his popularity.  As a result of the effects of the Great Depression on the Detroit area, his father moved the family to Bethel, Pennsylvania.

One of his first appearances was in 1938 for a Bethel Junior baseball team entertainment event, performing guitar and songs when he was 13 years old.

The anonymous sleeve notes accompanying the 1956 Decca album Rock Around The Clock describe Haley's early life and career:  "For six years Bill Haley was a musical director of Radio Station WPWA in Chester, PA, and led his own band all through this period. It was then known as Bill Haley's Saddlemen, indicating their definite leaning toward the tough Western style. They continued playing in clubs as well as over the radio around Philadelphia, and in 1951 made their first recordings on Ed Wilson's Keystone Records in Philadelphia." The group subsequently signed with Dave Miller's Holiday Records and, on June 14, 1951 the Saddlemen recorded a cover of "Rocket 88".

During the Labor Day weekend in 1952, the Saddlemen were renamed Bill Haley with Haley's Comets (inspired by the supposedly official pronunciation of Halley's Comet, a name suggested by WPWA radio station program director, Bob Johnson, where Bill Haley had a live radio program from noon to 1 p.m.), and in 1953, Haley's recording of "Crazy Man, Crazy" (co-written by him and his bass player, Marshall Lytle, although Lytle would not receive credit until 2001) became the first rock and roll song to hit the American charts, peaking at number 15 on Billboard and number 11 on Cash Box. Soon after, the band's name was revised to "Bill Haley & His Comets".



In 1954, Haley recorded "Rock Around the Clock". Initially, it was relatively successful, peaking at number 23 on the Billboard pop singles chart and staying on the charts for a few weeks. On re-release, the record reached #1 on July 9, 1955.

➦In 1925...Merv Griffin born (Died  at age 82 of prostate cancer – August 12, 2007). He was a TV host and media mogul.

He began his career as a radio and big band singer who went on to appear in film and on Broadway. From 1965 to 1986, Griffin hosted his own talk show, The Merv Griffin Show. He also created the internationally popular game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune through his television production companies, Merv Griffin Enterprises and Merv Griffin Entertainment.

Singer Connie Francis Out Of ICU

Connie Francis, the 87-year-old singer known for hits like “Pretty Little Baby” and “Who’s Sorry Now,” was hospitalized in Florida Wednesday, due to “extreme pain.” 

She was initially admitted to the ICU for tests to determine the cause of her pain, which led to the cancellation of a planned Independence Day radio appearance with DJ Cousin Brucie on 77WABC New York. 

This was her second performance cancellation in recent weeks. 

Francis had previously revealed a pelvic fracture in June 2025, which required her to use a wheelchair, and she had been dealing with hip issues, including awaiting stem cell therapy earlier in the year. 

By July 3, she updated fans on Facebook, stating she had been transferred from the ICU to a private room and was recovering, though the exact cause of her pain remains unclear. She expressed gratitude for fans’ support. Her hospitalization comes amid a career resurgence, with “Pretty Little Baby” going viral on TikTok, amassing billions of streams.

Dr. Phil's Media Company Files For Bankruptcy

Merit Street Media, a television and multiplatform media company launched by TV personality Dr. Phil McGraw in April 2024, aimed to provide content focused on “traditional family content,” news, sports, true crime, and more. 

The Fort Worth, Texas-based venture was formed as a joint venture between McGraw’s Peteski Productions and Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), a Christian media giant with a global network of 30 channels. The partnership was intended to leverage McGraw’s flagship program, Dr. Phil Primetime, alongside other programming featuring personalities like Nancy Grace, Bear Grylls, and Steve Harvey, with TBN providing national distribution and production services.

On Wednesday, Merit Street Media filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, citing a “severely strained liquidity position” and an inability to secure additional outside capital. 

Simultaneously with the bankruptcy filing, Merit Street Media filed a lawsuit against TBN, alleging breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing. The lawsuit claims TBN, as the controlling shareholder, failed to fulfill its contractual obligations, which directly led to Merit Street’s financial collapse. 

Key allegations include:

Failure to Provide National Distribution: TBN was contractually obligated to provide “must carry rights” and access to its extensive distribution network at no cost to Merit Street. However, the lawsuit alleges TBN withheld distribution payments, which were explicitly its responsibility, causing Merit Street to lose national distribution. This left the network unable to broadcast its programming, effectively “going dark.”

Costly Third-Party Deals: TBN allegedly forced Merit Street into expensive distribution agreements with third parties, such as cable providers, costing the company $96 million to over $100 million in unsustainable debt, despite TBN’s ability to distribute through its own network of local TV stations.

Substandard Production Services: Merit Street described TBN’s production services as “comically dysfunctional,” citing issues like screens and teleprompters blacking out during live shows, an incomplete control room operating out of a truck, poor cell coverage in the studio, an unusable viewer app, and amateur video editing software. These failures compromised the quality and viability of Merit Street’s programming.

NEPA Radio: Times-Shamrock Announces Changes In Leadership

Times-Shamrock Communications announced a new corporate leadership structure following the retirement of CEO Jim Loftus, after serving in the role for 18 months. 

Loftus, who began his radio career in 1977, had previously been Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Times-Shamrock from 1997 to 2005 and returned as CEO in January 2024, succeeding Jim Lewandowski. His retirement marks the end of a notable career that included leadership roles at CBS Radio, WBEB in Philadelphia, and Seven Mountains Media.

Diane Sutter

The new leadership structure includes:

• Diane Sutter, a board member, appointed as Acting CEO. Sutter brings extensive experience, having served as President/CEO of ShootingStar Broadcasting, EVP/Operations for Shamrock Broadcasting, and held various roles in radio and television. She has been on the Times-Shamrock board for nearly four years and is active in industry organizations.
• Scott Brickel, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since May 2019, who has taken on additional duties as Chief Operating Officer. Brickel has over 25 years of financial leadership experience, including roles at DeLuxe Building Solutions and Olympia Chimney Supply.

Board Chair Bill Goodspeed highlighted that both Sutter and Brickel are familiar with the company’s operations and stations, making their appointments a natural progression. Times-Shamrock, a 128-year-old family-owned company, owns radio stations in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Baltimore, and Milwaukee, as well as digital and outdoor advertising operations.

Diddy Denied Bail..Jailed Awaiting Sentencing

On Wednesday, Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted of racketeering and sex-trafficking charges but convicted on two lesser counts of transportation for prostitution, dealing a setback to prosecutors who accused the music mogul of operating a criminal enterprise for over 20 years.

The allegations included kidnapping, bribery, sex crimes, and coverups as part of the purported enterprise.

The 55-year-old Combs, detained for the past nine months, gripped his lawyers’ hands as the verdict was delivered. He celebrated with fist pumps and prayer hands directed at the jury, later kneeling to pray with family as supporters cheered in the courtroom.

Despite the partial victory, Combs’ bid for bail pending sentencing was denied after a brief hearing later that day.

Trump Admin Condemns CNN For Story About ICE Tracking App

Airing a story about an app like ICEBlock, which allows users to track and report Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent sightings, has sparked significant controversy and potential problems for left-leaning CNN. 

Key Issues Facing CNN:

Criticism from Officials: Senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials, including ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, have accused CNN of endangering ICE agents by promoting ICEBlock. They claim the app "paints a target" on agents, who are reportedly facing a 500% increase in assaults. Lyons described CNN’s coverage as “reckless and irresponsible,” arguing it could invite violence against federal officers.

🚨 BREAKING: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem says they’re working with the DOJ to potentially PROSECUTE CNN for promoting an ICE tracking app
pic.twitter.com/2g18gzdpRb

— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) July 1, 2025

Potential Consequences: These accusations could damage CNN’s reputation, particularly among audiences who prioritize law enforcement safety. The narrative that CNN is enabling harm to federal agents may fuel public and political backlash, especially in a polarized climate where immigration enforcement is a contentious issue.

Threats of Legal ActionProsecution Threats: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and President Donald Trump have suggested that CNN’s coverage could constitute “obstruction of justice” by encouraging users to evade ICE operations. Noem stated that her department is consulting with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to explore potential prosecution of CNN. Border Czar Tom Homan and Attorney General Pam Bondi have also indicated that the DOJ might investigate whether CNN’s reporting crosses legal boundaries.

🚨Is CNN pushing an app that helps DOXX ICE agents in real time?!

The app “ICEBLOCK” tracks the movements of federal agents and has the potential to put their lives at risk, and CNN is running a “story,” on it.

Will Apple and Google keep this in their app stores?

Will… pic.twitter.com/U340Q8RXz7

— Wesley Hunt (@WesleyHuntTX) June 30, 2025

Legal Risks: While CNN maintains that reporting on a publicly available app is not illegal, the threat of DOJ scrutiny could lead to costly legal battles or investigations. Even if no charges are filed, the process could strain CNN’s resources and public image. Legal experts note that proving obstruction of justice would require evidence that CNN intended to impede law enforcement, which may be difficult to establish based solely on reporting.

White House Condemnation: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused CNN of “encouraging violence” against ICE agents, citing the reported 500% increase in assaults. This rhetoric, echoed by other Trump administration officials like Stephen Miller, frames CNN’s coverage as activism rather than journalism, potentially alienating viewers who support stricter immigration policies.

Meanwbile, The Wall Street Joournal editorial board, known for its conservative stance, published a scathing critique on Wednesday, addressing President Donald Trump’s actions against the media, framing them as a dangerous escalation of "lawfare" against a free press. The editorial is a rebuke of Trump’s tactics, the editorial argues that he is using government power to intimidate news outlets that publish stories he dislikes, a move they call a “low move in a free country with a free press.”

FCC's Carr Reveals His 'Building Agenda For America'

FCC Chair Brendan Carr

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, known for climbing communication towers including a 2,000-footer, delivered a 4,100-word policy speech Wednesday at Vikor’s tower climbing training center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Billed as his first major address as chairman, Carr outlined a “build agenda for America” focused on accelerating high-speed infrastructure, restoring U.S. wireless dominance, boosting the space economy, enhancing national security, and strengthening the telecom workforce through sweeping deregulation.

Radio World reports Carr lauded the Trump administration’s early moves, stating, “President Trump is taking quick action to usher in a new Golden Age for America.” 

He criticized the Biden administration for delaying high-speed internet access with excessive regulations, allowing global competitors to overtake the U.S., and letting the FCC’s spectrum auction authority lapse for the first time.

Key Policy Areas:

• 
  High-Speed Infrastructure: Carr announced a July 2025 FCC vote to initiate rulemaking for transitioning from outdated copper lines to modern high-speed networks. He also called for updating rules governing broadband builders and utility pole owners to ease fiber line installations and streamlining regulations that obstruct new infrastructure projects.
• Wireless Leadership: To regain global wireless leadership, Carr emphasized expanding spectrum access. The FCC is exploring the Upper C-Band for mid-band spectrum, building on a 2020 auction of 280 MHz for 5G. A recent proceeding targets 600 MHz in the 37 GHz band for commercial use, and Carr plans to push for auctions of long-unused AWS-3 band licenses. He welcomed Congress’s efforts to restore the FCC’s auction authority, stalled for two years.
• Space Economy: Carr aims to bolster U.S. space companies by clearing satellite application backlogs, reducing processing times, and eliminating outdated rules like power limits and siting restrictions. The FCC is enhancing GPS security and exploring more spectrum for satellite broadband, while streamlining “slow and bespoke” licensing processes.
• Modernizing Operations: Carr’s “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative, described as the FCC’s largest deregulatory effort, recently eliminated 77 obsolete cable regulations, eight forms, 27 pages, and 11,475 words. A July vote will introduce a faster process to remove 40 additional rules, spanning 17 pages and 7,600 words, targeting outdated regulations for telegraphs, rabbit-ear receivers, and phone booths. The FCC is also upgrading its licensing databases to improve efficiency.

The speech is available at https://www.fcc.gov.

Fox News Media to Honor 'Proud Americans'

FOX News Media will present patriotic-themed programming for its annual Proud American coverage commemorating Independence Day. The Proud American programming will air throughout the day across FOX News Media platforms on Friday, July 4th culminating with a live three-hour primetime special.

FOX News Channel’s (FNC) Johnny Joey Jones, Carley Shimkus, Aishah Hasnie and Griff Jenkins will co-host a live program entitled, The Big Independence Day Special from FOX Square in New York City from 8-11 PM/ET. The show will feature live fireworks from Washington, D.C. along with a performance from country music band Dugger Band.

During the special Independence Day coverage, Abby Hornacek will broadcast live from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where she will join the coastal town’s Fourth of July festivities. Additionally, Hornacek will take part on FOX & Friends signature series “Breakfast with Friends” live from Neal and Pam’s restaurant, following which, she will attend the Surfside Golf Cart Parade to speak with attendees about the Independence Day events in Myrtle Beach.

FOX News Audio will present three one-hour patriotic specials leading up to July 4th. Kennedy Saves The Fourth of July hosted by Kennedy will feature special guests such as co-host of Outnumbered Emily Compagno, host of FOX News Saturday Night Jimmy Failla, Dr. Drew Pinsky and FOX 5 New York’s Rosanna Scotto. The interview, which will be released on July 4th, was taped in front of a live audience at Langan’s Restaurant in New York City. Additionally, Field of Valor hosted by FOX & Friends co-host Brian Kilmeade will be available on all FOX News Radio affiliates, describing the heroic stories of some of America’s greatest professional athletes who are compelled by a greater duty to their country.

Additionally, the Great Americans podcast series leading up to the holiday will be hosted by FOX News contributor Johnny Joey Jones. Every Thursday throughout the month of June, special episodes spotlighting standout Americans who have made an impact on their community and country will be released across The Brian Kilmeade Show, FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla, The Guy Benson Show and the FOX News Rundown Podcast. On July 4th, impactful interviews from the series will be incorporated into a one-hour special to celebrate figures and events that have impacted the nation. Featured guests include country music star John Rich, Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX), Tunnel to Towers CEO Frank Siller and others.

Paramount CEO Defends Settlement With Trump

Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS, agreed to a $16 million settlement this week to resolve a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against CBS News and its program 60 Minutes. 

The lawsuit, initially filed in October 2024 in the Northern District of Texas, alleged that 60 Minutes deceptively edited an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris to favor the Democratic Party during the 2024 election, violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act.

Trump sought $20 billion in damages, claiming the edits caused him "mental anguish" and constituted election interference. The settlement, announced late Tuesday, included no apology from CBS and allocated the $16 million to cover legal fees, costs, and a contribution to Trump’s future presidential library, with no direct payment to Trump or co-plaintiff Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas). Paramount also agreed that 60 Minutes would release transcripts of future U.S. presidential candidate interviews, subject to redactions for legal or national security reasons.

At Paramount’s annual shareholder meeting Wednesday, co-CEO George Cheeks defended the settlement, emphasizing that it allowed the company to avoid the “high and somewhat unpredictable cost of legal defense,” the risk of an adverse judgment with significant financial and reputational damage, and the disruption of prolonged legal battles. 

According to Deadline, he framed the settlement as a pragmatic move to focus on Paramount’s “core objectives” rather than being “mired in uncertainty and distraction.” Cheeks, who oversees CBS, stressed that the agreement did not include an apology, a point reiterated by Paramount to counter perceptions of capitulation.

The decision sparked significant backlash. CBS News staff expressed dismay, with some fearing it would tarnish the 60 Minutes brand, though they were not surprised given months of corporate pressure.

The Writers Guild of America East called it a “transparent attempt to curry favors” with the Trump administration to secure FCC approval for Paramount’s $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, which requires transferring CBS station licenses. 

Report: Secret ‘Side Deal' Sealed Paramount’s $16M Trump Deal

Shari Redstone’s Paramount secured an unconventional boost to finalize its contentious $16 million settlement with President Trump, paving the way for its anticipated sale to Skydance, according to The NY Post’s On The Money.

David Ellison, Skydance’s head and son of Trump ally and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, agreed to allocate $15 million to $20 million for public service ads promoting causes favored by Trump once he assumes control of Paramount’s CBS, part of Redstone’s struggling media conglomerate, a source familiar with the talks revealed.

“There’s an expectation of a mid-eight-figure commitment from the network for PSA ads and other broadcasts supporting conservative causes backed by President Trump,” the source noted.

Including the PSAs, the settlement’s total value exceeds $30 million. This unique arrangement, funded by Ellison rather than current Paramount management, allows Redstone and the board to avoid potential bribery allegations, a key obstacle in resolving the lawsuit.

Paramount denied any awareness of a “side deal.”

“Paramount has no knowledge of any alleged Trump-Ellison side deal, was not involved in it, nor was it part of the board-approved, mediator-sanctioned settlement,” a spokesperson told On The Money.

A Skydance representative declined to comment.

On Tuesday, Paramount’s current leadership agreed to pay $16 million to settle Trump’s lawsuit, which claimed biased editing of a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris harmed his 2024 campaign.

As On The Money previously reported, David Ellison had confidently predicted a settlement, enabling his takeover of Paramount this summer.

MTP Ranks No. 1 in the Key A25-54 Demo Season-to-Date

Meet the Press with Kristen Welker is the #1 Sunday public affairs show among key A25-54 demo viewers in Q2, according to Nielsen. Meet the Press outperformed ABC in A25-54 for three consecutive quarters and for 7 of the last 8 quarters and has beaten CBS in A25-54 in 3 of the last 4 quarters.

Meet the Press averaged 435,000 A25-54 demo viewers, leading ABC by +30,000 (+7%) and CBS by +29,000 (+7%). Versus Q2 2024, Meet the Press improved its A25-54 lead vs. ABC (+30,000 vs. +14,000 in 2Q24) and reversed its A25-54 gap vs. CBS (+29,000 vs. -40,000 in 2Q24).  Meet the Press posted its best Q2 key demo win vs. ABC in 5 years and vs. CBS in 3 years.

The Welker-led program ranks #1 for the current broadcast season among key A25-54 demo viewers. Meet the Press has the largest growth of all Sunday public affairs programs vs. the same point last season.

Meet the Press also ranks as the #1 Sunday public affairs show in the key A25-54 demo for the second consecutive month. In June, Meet the Press increased its viewership across-the-board versus the prior year. 

Averaging 424,000 key A25-54 demo viewers, Meet the Press led ABC by +7,000 (+2%) and CBS by +28,000 (+7%). Among A25-54 viewers, Meet the Press has beaten ABC for 9 of the last 10 consecutive months and outperformed CBS for the second consecutive month for the first time since Oct-Nov 2023.

Meet the Press has never lost a month in the Washington, D.C. market among total viewers. 

Salem Snags Scott Jennings For New Radio Show

Salem Media Group has announced the launch of “The Scott Jennings Show”, a new daily program that adds a powerful voice to the frontlines of the conservative movement. Beginning Monday, July 14, the show will air weekdays from 2:00 to 3:00 PM ET on the Salem Radio Network (SRN) and be available on demand via the Salem Podcast Network (SPN).

Jennings, known to millions as the rare conservative who wins debates inside the lion’s den of CNN, will bring his signature fire and facts to the Salem lineup. The program replaces The Jack Posobiec Show in the SRN live broadcast slot, while Posobiec continues as a force on SPN with exclusive podcast content.

“We’re going on offense,” Jennings said. “Every day, I’ll take calls, interview big names, and take the fight directly to the liberal machine. It’s time to bust the narratives and bring back some plain old common sense.”

Scott Jennings

“Scott Jennings is a disruptor,” said Phil Boyce, Senior VP at Salem. “He’s the Lone Ranger of the CNN panel, armed with facts and fearless in delivery. He doesn’t just survive in hostile territory — he dominates. Now, with a national platform on Salem, Scott becomes a daily fixture in the battle to save the country.”

A former White House Special Assistant to President George W. Bush and veteran of four presidential campaigns, Jennings is a strategic insider with real-world political firepower. His upcoming book, “A Revolution of Common Sense: How Donald Trump Stormed Washington and Fought for Western Civilization,” is set to be released this November and is already generating buzz for its insider perspective on Trump’s return to power.

A Kentucky native, Jennings lives in Prospect with his wife and four sons — and somehow also manages three dogs and 35 chickens. Follow him on X: @ScottJenningsKY.

Baltimore Radio: Talker Torrey Snow Exits WBAL Radio

Torrey Snow, a prominent afternoon host at WBAL NewsRadio 1090/FM 101.5 in Baltimore, has departed the station after five years.

Snow had been hosting the 2-6 p.m. slot since August 2020, initially solo and later co-hosting The Torrey and Dan Show with Dan Joseph starting in May 2022. 

No official reason for the departure was provided by WBAL or Snow himself. 

Snow, who joined WBAL in 2019 as a contributor and guest host, was known for his conservative commentary and focus on local Baltimore and Maryland issues, such as school safety, violent crime, and political discourse. His background includes a career shift from teaching and IT management to radio, a 2018 run for Anne Arundel County Council, and leadership in the Frederick Douglass Foundation of Maryland. 

Chicago Radio: Amy Jacobson Exits Salem's WIND

Dan Proft and Amy Jacobson

Chicago’s AM560 The Answer (WIND-AM), a conservative talk radio station owned by Salem Media Group, terminated longtime morning co-host Amy Jacobson as part of a cost-cutting move, while retaining her Florida-based co-host, Dan Proft. 

Jacobson, a 15½-year veteran of the station, announced her departure on X, stating, “After 15 1/2 years at WIND AM560 radio, due to staffing reductions, today was my last day on the air.” Her final broadcast was on July 1, 2025, alongside guest host Chris Krok.

Jacobson, a well-known Chicago media figure, had co-hosted Chicago’s Morning Answer with Proft from 5-9 a.m. weekdays since joining AM560 in 2010. 

Prior to radio, Jacobson was a reporter for WMAQ-TV (NBC 5) from 1996 to 2007, covering major stories like the White Sox World Series and the Winter Olympics, but was fired after a controversial video surfaced of her at the home of a man she was investigating.

The decision to cut Jacobson while keeping Proft, who broadcasts from Naples, Florida, sparked discussion among listeners and on X, with some questioning the choice to retain an out-of-state host over a local figure like Jacobson, who was seen as the “heart and soul” of the morning show. 

No official statement from Salem Media clarified the decision, but sources suggest financial pressures and the station’s declining relevance prompted the move.