Radio History: Aug 10

Ted Husing

➦In 1962...Edward Britt "Ted" Husing died from complications of a brain tumor at age 60 (Born - November 27, 1901).  He was an early radio sportscaster and was among the first to lay the groundwork for the structure and pace of modern sports reporting.

At age 16, he joined the National Guard and in World War I was assigned to stand watch over New York's harbor. Following the war, he floated between jobs such as carnival barker and payroll clerk.

After he won an audition over 500 other applicants for announcer at New York City radio station WHN, Husing found his life's calling. He was schooled under the tutelage of pioneer broadcaster Major J. Andrew White. There he covered breaking news stories and political conventions and assisted White during football commentaries.

By 1926, Husing was working at WJZ, which made him "its specialist in announcing dance programs." A newspaper article reported that Husing was selected for the job "out of 610 applications for the position of announcer at station WJZ."

As an announcer, his use of descriptive language combined with a commanding voice made his broadcasts must-listen events. By 1927, he was voted seventh most popular announcer in a national poll. Following a pay dispute, he moved to Boston, where he broadcast Boston Braves (now Atlanta Braves) baseball games.

Later in 1927, he returned to New York and helped his mentor, J. Andrew White, start the new CBS chain. After cigar mogul William S. Paley bought the cash-strapped network in 1928, Ted Husing rose to new heights of glory and fame.

At CBS, Husing took on a wide variety of events. In 1929, he was named studio director of WABC (the CBS flagship station) in addition to continuing his work as an announcer for the network.

He was the original voice of the popular March of Time program and an announcer for shows such as George Burns and Gracie Allen. Above everything, his work on sports gave Husing the greatest prominence. He covered events as diverse as boxing, horse racing, track and field, regattas, seven World Series, tennis, golf, four Olympic Games, Indianapolis 500 motor racing, and especially college football.

In addition to his sports preeminence, Husing also did news/special events coverage for the CBS Radio Network. In the 1930s, he gave early tutelage to a budding CBS Radio announcer, Mel Allen, who, like Husing, would become a legendary sportscaster.

In 1946, Husing moved from CBS to WHN (later WMGM) to pursue a career as a disk jockey. Husing's popular music show the Ted Husing Bandstand ran from 1946 to 1954. He continued to busy himself with sports assignments, including boxing on CBS and DuMont television, one year (1950) as the radio voice of New York Giants football, and as host of DuMont's Boxing From Eastern Parkway from May 1952 to March 1953. Perhaps he was best known as the voice of Army football from 1947 to 1953. By that time, Husing's yearly salary was close to half a million dollars.

In the spring of 1954, an operation to treat a malignant brain tumor left him blind and forced him to retire.   In 1963, Husing became the second inductee of the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame.  In 1984, Husing was part of the American Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame’s inaugural class which included sportscasting legends Red Barber, Don Dunphy, Graham McNamee and Bill Stern.

Nielsen Says It's Extending PPM Panel Homes

In a memo to client stations Friday, Nielsen revealed it will extend the tenure of PPM Panel homes from approximately two years to a range of 32 to 38 months. While Nielsen does not explicitly inform panelists of the previous two-year maximum tenure, it internally tracks household participation and retires homes as they approach this limit.

Nielsen’s PPM system is used to measure radio listenership in major U.S. markets by tracking panelists who carry wearable devices that detect audio exposure. These panelists are typically recruited to participate for up to 26 months, though the average tenure is often closer to a year, as noted in a 2025 article by Dr. Ed Cohen. Panel lengths refer to the duration a panelist remains active in the sample, contributing data to Nielsen’s ratings.

Nielsen’s recent announcement regarding changes to its Portable People Meter (PPM) Panel involves extending the tenure of participating households, a shift that impacts how the company measures media audience data. 

What is the PPM Panel?  Portable People Meter (PPM): Nielsen uses PPM technology to measure media consumption, primarily radio and television audiences, in major U.S. markets. PPM devices are small, wearable gadgets carried by panelists to passively track exposure to media content via encoded audio signals.

PPM Panel: The panel consists of households recruited to represent the demographic and geographic diversity of a market. Panelists carry PPM devices, and their data helps generate ratings for radio stations, TV networks, and advertisers.

Previous Tenure Policy: Historically, Nielsen limited household participation to approximately two years. While this cap wasn’t explicitly disclosed to panelists, Nielsen internally tracked tenure and retired households as they neared the 24-month mark to maintain data freshness and avoid over-familiarity with the measurement process.

According to the memo sent to client stations, Nielsen will no longer retire PPM Panel households at the two-year mark. Instead, their participation will be extended to a range of 32 to 38 months (approximately 2.7 to 3.2 years).

The change aims to balance data stability with panel turnover. Extending tenure reduces the costs and logistical challenges of recruiting and onboarding new households while maintaining a representative sample for reliable audience metrics.

Non-Disclosure Continues: Nielsen will continue its practice of not proactively informing panelists about their maximum tenure, though it tracks this internally to manage panel composition.

AM/FM and Podcast TSL Is A Challenge For Radio

A shift in audio consumption habits among listeners aged 13 to 34, where spoken word audio now accounts for as much listening time as AM/FM radio, represents a significant trend in media preferences, particularly among Gen Z and younger Millennials.

Reports from Edison Research demonstrate the change marks a dramatic departure from a decade ago when AM/FM radio dominated.

Among listeners aged 13 to 34, spoken word audio (including podcasts, news, talk shows, sports, and audiobooks) and AM/FM radio each accounted for 14% of total audio listening time in Q2 2024. This parity is a stark contrast to 2014, when AM/FM radio held a seven-to-one lead over podcasts (approximately 21% vs. 3% of listening time).

Edison Research’s Share of Ear study shows that in 2024, 13-34-year-olds spent 23% of their daily audio time on spoken word content, more than doubling the 11% recorded in 2014. This represents a 109% increase over the decade.

Closing the Age Gap: In 2014, the 13-34 age group lagged behind older demographics in spoken word consumption (11% vs. 22% for 35-54 and 26% for 55+). By 2024, the gap narrowed significantly, with 13-34-year-olds only 5 percentage points behind the 35-54 and 55+ groups (both at 28%).

Podcasts are the key driver of increased spoken word consumption among younger listeners. Their on-demand, niche content appeals to this demographic, offering everything from true crime to music-related shows.

Popular Shows: In 2024, podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience (No. 1), Call Her Daddy (No. 4), and This Past Weekend with Theo Von (No. 5) dominated, reflecting a shift toward personality-driven, non-traditional media content over legacy radio formats like NPR’s Fresh Air (No. 1 in 2014).

Video Podcasts: The rise of video podcasts, particularly on YouTube (the top podcast platform for Americans), has boosted engagement. Spotify reported 350 million users streamed video podcasts in Q2 2024, with video consumption growing 20 times faster than audio-only.

Mobile devices are the primary platform for spoken word audio, with 39% of daily consumption among those 13+ occurring on phones, compared to 35% on AM/FM receivers. For 13-34-year-olds, digital platforms like Spotify (53% preference) and YouTube (37%) far outpace traditional radio for podcast listening.

In-Car and At-Home Trends: While AM/FM radio remains dominant in cars (62% of spoken word consumption), at-home listening has shifted toward mobile devices and smart speakers (11% stream AM/FM stations digitally). This aligns with younger listeners’ preference for portable, on-demand access.

The equalization of spoken word and AM/FM listening time among 13-34-year-olds signals a challenge for radio. In 2017, AM/FM held a 66% share of spoken word audio, but by 2024, this dropped to 43%, with podcasts rising to 36%. Among 13-64-year-olds, podcasts already lead (41% vs. 39% for radio).

Nielsen’s PPM adjustments aim to mitigate radio’s decline, but the preference for on-demand, personality-driven podcasts among Gen Z and Millennials suggests a lasting change.

Nexstar, Tenga Said To Be Talking Deal

Nexstar Media Group, the largest local television broadcaster in the United States, is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire its rival, Tegna Inc., according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal. 

The potential deal, which could be finalized soon if negotiations proceed smoothly, marks a significant step in the ongoing consolidation of the U.S. television industry amid challenges like cord-cutting and the rise of streaming services.

Nexstar Media Group Owns or partners with over 200 television stations across 116 markets, reaching approximately 70% of U.S. television households. It operates high-profile properties like The CW Network and NewsNation and has recently expanded into sports content. Nexstar’s market capitalization is around $5.56 billion.

Tegna Inc. Owns 64 television stations in 51 markets, including major network affiliates (e.g., ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX), reaching over 38% of U.S. households. Tegna also operates networks like True Crime Network and has a market valuation of approximately $2.42–$2.5 billion.

Tegna’s shares surged nearly 30% in extended trading following the news, while Nexstar’s stock remained flat, reflecting investor concerns about potential acquisition costs and regulatory hurdles.

The acquisition would significantly expand Nexstar’s footprint, combining its 200+ stations with Tegna’s 64, further consolidating its dominance in local broadcasting. This move aligns with Nexstar’s history of growth through acquisitions, such as its 2016 purchase of Media General and the 2019 divestiture of 11 stations to Tegna for $740 million.

Philly Radio: Mike Missanelli OUT At The Fanatic

Mike Missanelli’s tenure at WPEN 97.5 The Fanatic ended on Friday, less than a year after his return to the station following a contentious exit in 2022. Beasley Media Group’s chief communications officer, Heidi Raphael, confirmed, “Friday was Mike’s last day at the station. We appreciate his contributions and wish him well.”

Mike Missanelli

Missanelli hosted the midday slot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., often alongside co-hosts Ray Dunne and Bill Colarulo. Raphael noted that Dunne will act as interim host, with other contributors filling in for the time being. Colarulo recently transitioned to a new afternoon show, Unfiltered with Ricky Bo and Bill Colarulo, with NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Ricky Bottalico, which launched in June.

This exit echoes his abrupt 2022 departure after 15 years at The Fanatic, which he described as “surreal” and attributed to being pushed out by management, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Missanelli returned to The Fanatic on August 12, 2024, after months of speculation, saying, “I had a two-year, three-month vacation. I’m ready to return.”

Missanelli joined The Fanatic in 2010 to compete with WIP, where he had two prior stints, ending with a 2008 firing over an alleged altercation. His afternoon show dominated ratings for nearly a decade, outlasting competitors like Josh Innes, but was later overtaken by WIP’s Jon Marks and Ike Reese.

After his 2022 exit, Missanelli worked as a podcaster and brand ambassador for Rush Street Interactive’s BetRivers Network and launched a true crime podcast about a 7-year-old’s death in his hometown. 

Beasley, which owns The Fanatic, WMMR, WMGK, and other Philadelphia stations, has faced financial strain, implementing layoffs in recent years. Notable cuts include WMMR’s Kathy Romano, WMGK’s Andre Gardner, and The Fanatic’s Bob Cooney, Jennifer Scordo, and Pat Egan, with a 7% workforce reduction in May 2024.

Albany NY Radio: WGNA's Jeff Matty Promoted To National Position

Matty Jeff, a seasoned radio professional and the Director of Content for Townsquare Media’s Albany, New York group, as well as Brand Manager for the popular Country station WGNA (107.7 GNA), has been elevated to a significant corporate role as Director of Country Content & Programming for Townsquare’s 74 Country stations nationwide. 

In this expanded position, Jeff will oversee content strategy and programming for the company’s extensive Country portfolio while continuing his existing responsibilities in Albany, ensuring continuity for WGNA’s loyal audience.

Jeff steps into the role previously held by Doug Montgomery, a respected industry veteran who retired on July 31, 2025, after an illustrious 30-year career in Country radio. Montgomery spent his final eight years with Townsquare, following a tenure with iHeartMedia, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in the format.

Jeff Matty

Kurt Johnson, Townsquare’s Senior Vice President of Content & Programming, expressed enthusiasm about Jeff’s promotion, stating, “We are thrilled to have Matty take the reins of our Country stations. His extensive experience, innovative approach, and genuine passion for the Country format make him the ideal leader to guide our Country brands into an exciting future.” 

Jared Willig, Townsquare’s Chief Content Officer, echoed this sentiment, praising Jeff’s multifaceted talents: “Matty is a proven leader, an exceptional programmer, and an award-winning multimedia talent. We’re eager to see him leverage his skills on a broader scale to amplify Townsquare’s impact in Country radio.”

In his new role, Jeff will collaborate with programmers and local teams across Townsquare’s Country stations to enhance content, strengthen listener engagement, and elevate the format’s artists. Reflecting on the opportunity, Jeff shared his excitement: “I’m beyond thrilled to step into this role with Townsquare. The chance to work alongside our incredibly talented programmers and connect with our outstanding local stations nationwide is a dream come true. I’m passionate about growing our brands, forging deeper connections with our listeners, and celebrating the artists who bring the Country format to life. I’m deeply grateful to Kurt Johnson, Jared Willig, and our leadership team for their trust and support—I’m truly energized for what’s ahead!”

Known for his creative vision and leadership at WGNA, where he has driven engaging content and strengthened the station’s community ties, Jeff is poised to bring fresh ideas to Townsquare’s national Country portfolio. His dual role ensures that WGNA remains a priority while he shapes the future of the company’s 74 Country stations.

Netlifx Talking With MLB About Home Run Derby

Netflix Inc. is reportedly in discussions with Major League Baseball (MLB) to acquire streaming rights for the annual Home Run Derby, following ESPN's decision to opt out of its broadcasting deal in February 2025. 

The Home Run Derby, a high-profile event during the MLB All-Star festivities, has been a staple on ESPN since 1998 but was left without a broadcast partner for the 2026 season after ESPN ended its seven-year, $550 million annual contract, which also included Sunday Night Baseball, the Wild Card playoffs, and other inventory.

According to Bloomberg, sources indicate Netflix’s interest aligns with its strategy of pursuing high-profile, one-off sports events rather than full-season packages, as seen with its NFL Christmas Day games and upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup broadcasts in 2027 and 2031. 

The Home Run Derby’s appeal, particularly among younger viewers, makes it a strong fit for Netflix, as it consistently outperforms the MLB All-Star Game in viewership among adults under 50. 

There’s also speculation that Netflix may explore additional MLB programming, though talks are primarily focused on the Derby.

MLB is actively seeking new partners to replace ESPN’s package, with other contenders like Amazon, Comcast (NBC/Peacock), Apple, and Fox Sports also in discussions. Fox has expressed interest in pairing the Home Run Derby with its existing All-Star Game rights to create a marquee two-day event. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated the league may split the rights among multiple broadcasters and aims to finalize a deal soon, potentially including local rights for teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres. However, no agreement is imminent, and discussions may extend to broader media rights expiring in 2028.

Sydney Sweeney Could 'Rescue' Bud Light

Rumors are swirling that Sydney Sweeney might become the new face of Bud Light. Industry insiders suggest Sweeney could leverage the controversy surrounding her American Eagle jeans campaign, which resonated with conservative audiences, to secure a lucrative deal with the beer brand.

Experts estimate that Anheuser-Busch, Bud Light’s parent company, might need to pay up to $10 million to land a full endorsement deal with the Anyone But You star. 

Bud Light is still reeling from a disastrous campaign featuring trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney, which triggered a backlash, costing the brand $1.4 billion in U.S. sales and a 15.3% revenue drop.

Christopher Chatham, a celebrity endorsement expert at Manatt, told the Daily Mail that Sweeney’s proven commercial success makes her an ideal choice to revive Bud Light’s fortunes. 

“Her American Eagle campaign drove massive denim sales and boosted the brand’s stock, making her a strong contender for Bud Light as they navigate past criticism,” he said. 

“Sweeney brings reach, resilience, and relevance, so a seven-figure deal wouldn’t be surprising.”

Report: Stern 'Can't Stand' Podcaster Alex Cooper

Reports suggest tension between Howard Stern, a veteran SiriusXM radio host, and Alex Cooper, the popular podcaster behind Call Her Daddy. 

According to an report by The US Sun, Stern, 71, reportedly "can't stand" Cooper, 30, who signed a $125 million deal with SiriusXM in 2024 after leaving Spotify. 

The animosity stems from Cooper’s rapid rise to becoming one of SiriusXM’s biggest stars, overshadowing traditional radio personalities like Stern. 

An insider claimed that SiriusXM executives ensure Stern and Cooper do not cross paths in New York due to his intense dislike, driven by her massive online following—1.65 million YouTube subscribers and 5.3 million Instagram followers—and her appeal to a younger audience.

The source highlighted a generational shift, noting that podcasters like Cooper and Joe Rogan are surpassing traditional radio hosts, disrupting Stern’s long-standing dominance in the industry. 

Stern, who began his career in the 1970s and joined SiriusXM in 2005 with a $500 million deal, is reportedly frustrated by this change. Adding to the context, Stern’s SiriusXM contract is set to expire in fall 2025, with speculation that the company may not meet his financial demands, potentially leading to his show’s cancellation. 

However, SiriusXM is reportedly interested in retaining Stern’s show library. No official statements confirm the cancellation.

Soundexchange Claims It Isn't Allowed To Sue SiriusXM

SoundExchange has issued a statement criticizing a recent ruling by District Judge Hon. Naomi Reice Buchwald of the Southern District of New York, which barred the organization from suing SiriusXM on behalf of the recording artists and rights owners it represents.

SoundExchange stated, “We respectfully disagree with Judge Buchwald’s interpretation of the law. Congress designed the statutory license to streamline the music licensing process, including empowering SoundExchange, as the designated collective, to enforce it. This ruling undermines that purpose. It’s only logical that an entity tasked with managing a statutory license should have the authority to sue those who violate it.”

The decision follows SoundExchange’s lawsuit against SiriusXM for allegedly withholding over $150 million in royalties, a figure now exceeding $400 million. The lawsuit claims SiriusXM deliberately inflated the value of its webcasting service to reduce royalty payments for its satellite radio service.

SoundExchange insists it has the legal right to sue non-compliant providers to ensure compliance and payment of required royalties, a point SiriusXM previously acknowledged when the claims were first raised.The organization is exploring an appeal and may pursue legal action in state courts to secure its ability to collect all digital performance royalties owed to its constituents under the law.

Radio History: Aug 9

➦In 1911...radio/TV newscaster Robert McCormick, for more than 30 years a feature member of the NBC news corps, was born in Danville, KY.

Robert McCormick

The Depression curtailed his formal education, one day he dropped in at the old Washington DC Daily News in hopes of getting a baseball game pass. Instead, he was hired at 18 as a copy boy. He stayed at the News six years as a sports editor, city editor and columnist. He then became Washington correspondent for Colliers magazine, then a major and influential publication.

In 1942, when Colliers refused to send him abroad as a World War II correspondent, he moved to NBC. The following year he became central Pacific correspondent, based first at Pearl Harbor and then at Guam. He roamed much of the Pacific and was shot at by Japanese snipers while covering the conquest of Iwo Jima. Many years later he was shot at by rebels in Angola while covering the rebellion against Portuguese rule.

In this country, Mr. McCormick's assignments included many political conventions. They included the 1948 Democratic and Republican conclaves, the first to be covered by television.

When he returned from Europe in 1955 and to his home in Bethesda, he was assigned first to the State Department and then the Capitol, particularly the Senate. He was praised on the Senate floor when he retired from the network in 1976.

For some time Mr. McCormick struggled with alcoholism. Not only did he win, but he became so interested in the lack of treatment for the disease that he wrote a book about it, "Facing Alcoholism," recently reprinted.

He died of heart failure at age 74.

Rex Stout

➦In 1942...CBS radio broadcasts the debut of "Our Secret Weapon." Our Secret Weapon (1942–1943) was a radio series created to counter Axis shortwave radio propaganda broadcasts during World War II.

Writer Rex Stout, chairman of the Writers' War Board and representative of Freedom House, would rebut the most entertaining lies of the week. Sponsored by Freedom House and Philco, the 15-minute weekly series was broadcast Sundays at 7 p.m. ET through October 18, 1942, then Fridays at 7:15 p.m. ET through its final broadcast October 8, 1943.

"Secret Weapon was designed to whip up and excite the nation to a greater war effort — in industry in buying war bonds, in every avenue toward victory," said series creator Sue Taylor White of Freedom House.

➦In 1945....Radio brought news of the dropping of a second atomic bomb which caused Japan’s surrender ending World War II. The US Air Force exploded a nuclear device over Nagasaki, instantly killing an estimated 39,000 people. The explosion came just three days after a similar atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.

Gutfeld! Makes Appearance On 'The Tonight Show'

Fallon and Gutfeld

Greg Gutfeld, the host of Fox News' late-night show Gutfeld!, made his debut appearance on a traditional network late-night talk show, NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, on Thursday.

This marked a rare cross-network crossover, as Gutfeld, known for his conservative-leaning humor and criticism of other late-night hosts like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel, joined Fallon at Studio 6B in Rockefeller Center. The episode also featured musical performances by Good Charlotte and the Jonas Brothers.

During the 10-minute segment, Gutfeld and Fallon largely avoided political topics. The interaction began with Gutfeld giving Fallon a big hug, humorously lifting his feet off the ground. Gutfeld shared a lighthearted story about meeting Fallon 15 years prior at a Hell’s Kitchen bar when both were "wasted." 

Gutfeld on The Tonight Show @greggutfeld pic.twitter.com/YtLfrkNRqF

— Karli Bonne’ 🇺🇸 (@KarluskaP) August 8, 2025

He also discussed his career path, including being fired from various jobs, and mentioned hiring his mother as a "senior correspondent" for his earlier Fox News show Red Eye, where her role was to summarize news stories for him. 

The conversation wrapped up with Gutfeld promoting his new Fox Nation game show, What Did I Miss?, where contestants are sequestered for 100 days and quizzed on real or fake news headlines. 

.@greggutfeld sets up the premise for his game show What Did I Miss? #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/m2BGZwK787

— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) August 8, 2025

He briefly referenced Donald Trump, noting the unpredictability of news as part of the show’s appeal, to which Fallon added, “You wouldn’t even have to sequester people.”Gutfeld had hyped the appearance beforehand on his show and Fox News’ The Five, calling it “the biggest crossover since the Harlem Globetrotters visited The Golden Girls.” 

He praised Fallon as a “great, genuine guy” who focuses on entertaining rather than pushing partisan agendas, contrasting him with other late-night hosts like Colbert and Kimmel. Gutfeld also referenced Fallon’s 2016 interview with Trump, where Fallon tousled Trump’s hair, a moment that drew backlash for “humanizing” the then-candidate. Gutfeld jokingly remarked he wouldn’t mind if Fallon ran his fingers through his hair, noting, “the last time he did that, the guy became president.”

Boston TV: Kate Merrill Succeeded By Another Blonde Anchor at WBZ

Kate Merrill

Kate Merrill, a former longtime anchor and reporter at WBZ-TV in Boston, co-anchored WBZ This Morning and WBZ News at Noon from 2017 until her departure in 2024. She joined the station in 2004 as a reporter and rose through the ranks over her 20-year tenure, earning an Emmy for her work. 

Merrill, who is white, filed a $4 million federal lawsuit this month against WBZ-TV, its parent companies CBS and Paramount, former general manager Justin Draper, Paramount’s VP of employee relations Michael Roderick, and two Black former colleagues, meteorologist Jason Mikell and anchor Courtney Cole, alleging racial and gender discrimination.

Merrill claims she was wrongfully demoted from her weekday morning anchor role to weekend nights in May 2024, following what she describes as a flawed investigation into allegations of microaggressions and unconscious bias against Mikell and Cole. 

She alleges this demotion was "career-ending" and was orchestrated to advance a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) agenda imposed by CBS and Paramount. The lawsuit states that in the early 2020s, WBZ adopted DEI policies, and in 2020, CBS’s head of East Coast stations, Adrienne Roark, declared WBZ the “whitest” of their stations, enforcing minority-only hiring practices, which Merrill claims led to her being targeted.

Merrill’s morning anchor slot was taken by Paula Ebben, a longtime WBZ colleague who is also a white woman with blonde hair. This has led to skepticism about her discrimination claims, as noted in a Boston Globe column by Shirley Leung, which questions how replacing a white blonde anchor with another constitutes racial discrimination. Critics suggest Merrill’s lawsuit may be an attempt to capitalize on anti-DEI sentiment, especially given its timing after Paramount’s $16 million settlement with President Trump over a 60 Minutes story.

Paramount Says Some Real Estate Could Be Sold

Jeff Shell, the new president of Paramount Global following its $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, announced Thursday, that the company is evaluating its real estate portfolio for potential sales as part of a broader strategy to optimize assets and achieve cost efficiencies. 

During a media briefing, Shell indicated that while the iconic Paramount Lot in Los Angeles and the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City are likely to remain untouched due to their strategic importance, other properties are under review. 

Jeff Shell

These include National Amusements’ portfolio of movie theaters and Paramount’s Times Square headquarters in New York City. The fate of the Ed Sullivan Theater, home to “The Late Show,” is also uncertain as discussions continue about programming changes after Stephen Colbert’s show ends in 2026.

This move aligns with Paramount’s goal of achieving at least $2 billion in cost savings, as outlined by the new leadership team, including CEO David Ellison. The focus is on managing the company’s declining linear TV business and maximizing cash flow, with real estate sales being one avenue to support this objective.

Shell’s comments reflect a strategic shift to streamline operations while preserving core assets critical to Paramount’s identity and infrastructure.

Katz: Radio Tops for Reach & Usage

Nielsen provides the industry with comprehensive overviews of the media universe, across traditional and digital platforms. And more recently, Nielsen has offered deeper insights into the audio landscape using data from Edison Research’s Share of Ear, giving the industry a clearer view of radio’s true place in the media landscape.

RADIO LEADS THE MEDIA LANDSCAPE, REACHING 9 IN 10 ADULTS

As in all previous reports from Nielsen, radio earns the title of #1 media platform in America, ahead of all other measured media, both digital and linear. Over 225 million adults tune in to radio each week, delivering 9 in 10 adults. Radio reaches both young and mature audiences alike, securing the top spot in overall media reach for adults aged 50–64 (90%) and 65+ (90%) and ranks second for the 18–34 demo (79%), illustrating its strong cross-generational appeal.

Weekly Reach Across Platforms 18+

Also keep in mind that radio fans are savvy and will seek out their favorite AM/FM content wherever they can, both over-the-air and across digital devices! Smartphone app/web, connected TV, internet on a computer, and tablet app/web all have audio streaming capabilities, meaning consumers of AM/FM's digital content can be found under these umbrellas as well.

And it is always a good reminder for those of us whose jobs involve working at a desk every day: millions of more people in every age bracket listen to the radio than use the internet on a computer. That means every week, there are 60 million more adults (18+) listening to the radio than using the internet on a computer.

AM/FM RADIO DOMINATES AD-SUPPORTED AUDIO LISTENING

FCC Deletes 71 Broadcast Rules

The Federal Communications Commission voted Thursday to eliminate 71 broadcast rule provisions, encompassing 98 regulatory burdens deemed outdated or irrelevant to the public interest. 

These rules, part of FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative, include obsolete requirements for analog technology, instrumentation mandates, stereo transmission authorizations, and 24/7 broadcasting permissions no longer reflective of current industry practices. 

The repeal will remove 5,117 words—approximately 12 pages—from the FCC rulebook, including redundant references to policies on payola, plugola, political broadcasting, children’s television, and cigarette advertising, as well as four blank “reserved” provisions.

Carr emphasized simplifying or eliminating outdated regulations to better serve the public. The FCC is using a “direct final rule” process, allowing changes to take effect 60 days after Federal Register publication unless significant opposition is filed within 10 days, prompting review of contested rules.

Commissioner Olivia Trusty supported the move, noting that clearing outdated rules fosters innovation. 

However, Commissioner Anna Gomez opposed eliminating substantive rules without public comment, though she supported removing less critical explanatory references to outdated policies and court decisions from 1979.

Chicago Radio: WGN's Dave Eanet Steps Away From AM Drive Sports

WGN Radio has announced that Dave Eanet will retire as the sports anchor on the Bob Sirott weekday morning drive show and Andy Masur will assume the position effective August 28. 

Eanet, whose two stints on WGN Radio encompass more than 30 years, will continue as the voice of the Northwestern Wildcat football and men’s basketball games broadcast on the 50,000-watt station and serve as a fill-in anchor on the WGN-TV sports desk.

Dave Eanet is a respected voice in college athletics and has been synonymous with Northwestern football radio broadcasts since 1990. The Northwestern University alum first joined WGN Radio in 1984 as the morning sports anchor and was part of the Chicago Bears WGN Radio team until leaving in 1988. He returned to the station in 1996 as sports director when WGN Radio became the rightsholder for Northwestern University Athletics and Eanet added men’s basketball play-by-play to his resume. Eanet also filled in on play-by-play for Chicago Cubs broadcasts on WGN Radio in the late 1990s through early 2000s.

Dave Eanet

“Can’t believe it’s been 41 years since I first set foot in the WGN studios,” said Eanet. “As I close this chapter of my career, the word that comes to mind is ‘grateful.’ I’m so thankful to the entire WGN family for their friendship and support over the years. It’s not just the names you know, but the entire crew on and off the air. I’m forever indebted to the managers, engineers, producers, newspeople, sales team, and all the others who have made WGN such a special place to work. Most of all, I’m thankful to the listeners who have a special relationship with this station. I will miss the day-to-day connection, but so glad I’ll continue calling Wildcat football and basketball. After calling the last game in the old Ryan Field, I look forward to the first game in the new Ryan Field next year!”

Gray Media To Acquire Stations From Allen Media Group

Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group (AMG) has sold 10 local television stations to Gray Media for $171 million in a deal announced on August 8, 2025. The transaction, which is pending regulatory approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025. 

This sale marks a significant move for Allen Media Group, which has been grappling with financial challenges and debt, prompting a strategic divestiture of part of its broadcast portfolio.

The sale involves 10 television stations affiliated with major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX) across 10 markets, primarily in the South and Midwest. The stations included are:

• WAAY (ABC) in Huntsville, Alabama
• WSIL (ABC) in Paducah-Cape Girardeau-Harrisburg, Kentucky/Illinois
• WEVV (CBS/FOX) in Evansville, Indiana
• WFFT (FOX) in Fort Wayne, Indiana
• WCOV (FOX) in Montgomery, Alabama
• KADN (FOX/NBC) in Lafayette, Louisiana
• WTVA (ABC/NBC) in Columbus-Tupelo, Mississippi
• WREX (NBC) in Rockford, Illinois
• WTHI (CBS/FOX) in Terre Haute, Indiana
• WLFI (CBS) in West Lafayette, Indiana

The deal expands Gray Media’s footprint by adding three new markets—Columbus-Tupelo, Mississippi; Terre Haute, Indiana; and West Lafayette, Indiana—where these stations reportedly held the highest all-day ratings in 2024, according to Comscore data. 

Additionally, the acquisition creates new duopolies in seven existing Gray markets, allowing the company to enhance local news, weather, and sports programming and strengthen its market dominance.

Gray Media, already the nation’s largest owner of top-rated local TV stations, will now serve 113 television markets, reaching approximately 37% of U.S. television households.

Byron Allen, a former comedian turned media mogul, founded Allen Media Group (originally Entertainment Studios) in 1993. Over the years, AMG expanded into a significant player in the media industry, acquiring 28 network-affiliated TV stations across 21 U.S. markets, along with assets like The Weather Channel and streaming services such as Local Now. 

Between 2019 and 2021, Allen invested over $1 billion to build this broadcast portfolio, with ambitions to become the largest broadcast television group in the U.S. by investing $10 billion in acquisitions. 

However, the rapidly changing media landscape, marked by cord-cutting and a shift in advertising budgets to digital platforms, has strained AMG’s finances. In June 2025, Allen announced plans to sell all 28 of AMG’s TV stations, hiring investment bank Moelis & Co. to market the portfolio and reduce the company’s debt. 

The sale of these 10 stations to Gray Media represents roughly a third of AMG’s broadcast holdings, suggesting a piecemeal approach to maximize returns. Other AMG stations, such as those in Honolulu, Hawaii; Madison, Wisconsin; Flint, Michigan; and Tucson, Arizona, remain on the market.

Paramount's New CEO Meets The Media

David Ellison, the new CEO of Paramount following the $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media, faced intense scrutiny during a press conference in New York City, hours after the merger closed.

Journalists pressed him on several contentious issues, including the future of CBS News, allegations of concessions to President Donald Trump, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) strategy, and the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. 

Ellison’s first act as CEO was a symbolic visit to CBS News offices, where he addressed staff amid a turbulent period marked by resignations and controversy over editorial independence. He praised CBS News’ “storied legacy” and 60 Minutes for its “long tradition of impactful reporting,” committing to invest in the division and foster a newsroom culture that empowers journalists. 

He emphasized “fact-based journalism” and suggested CBS News should appeal to a broad audience, specifically “70% of Americans from center left to center right,” avoiding hyperpartisan extremes. 

However, Ellison faced questions about Skydance’s commitments to the FCC, including appointing an ombudsman to review “complaints of bias” and eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. 

Paramount President Jeff Shell clarified the ombudsman as a “transparency vehicle, not an oversight vehicle,” denying FCC oversight. 

Reports also surfaced about Ellison’s interest in acquiring The Free Press, a conservative-leaning outlet, raising concerns about a potential rightward shift in CBS News’ editorial direction. Ellison declined to comment on these talks, asking to be judged by the newsroom’s output.

Donald Trump and the $16 Million Settlement

A major point of contention was Trump’s claim that Paramount agreed to provide $16–$20 million in pro-Trump public service announcements (PSAs) as part of a $16 million settlement over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, which Trump alleged was deceptively edited. 

The settlement, paid to Trump’s future presidential library, was widely criticized as a “bribe” to secure FCC approval for the merger, led by Trump-appointed Chairman Brendan Carr. 

Ellison dodged direct questions about the PSAs, stating, “We are not going to politicize anything today,” and clarified that Skydance was not involved in the settlement, which was handled by Paramount Global. Critics, including Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Ron Wyden, questioned whether additional concessions were made, citing Trump’s claim of a “side deal” worth up to $35 million. 

Paramount denied these claims, but the timing of the settlement and merger approval fueled speculation of political influence.

ESPN, NFL Media Deal Faces Regulatory Hurdles

The ESPN-NFL deal involving Disney's ESPN acquiring the NFL Network, NFL Fantasy, and distribution rights to the NFL's RedZone channel for cable and satellite TV, while the NFL receives a 10% equity stake in ESPN, valued at approximately $2-3 billion. 

This non-binding agreement aims to bolster ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service, set to launch by late September 2025 at $29.99 per month, by integrating NFL media assets. However, the deal faces significant regulatory scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) due to potential antitrust concerns. 

Regulatory hurdles loom:

Legal experts, including Andre P. Barlow of Doyle, Barlow & Mazard, argue the deal could reduce competition in sports media by giving Disney/ESPN greater control over televised sports carriage. This dominance might limit consumer options and increase prices for streaming services or game access.

The DOJ’s Antitrust Division is already reviewing Disney’s earlier 2025 deal to acquire a controlling stake in Fubo TV, indicating heightened scrutiny of Disney’s sports media consolidation. A similar in-depth review, potentially lasting up to 12 months, is expected for the ESPN-NFL deal.

The deal could give ESPN an advantage in future NFL media rights negotiations, as the NFL’s ownership stake creates a financial interest, potentially disadvantaging competitors like Fox, NBC, CBS, YouTube, and Amazon.

Political Complications: Political factors may influence the regulatory process. Former President Donald Trump’s actions, such as his lawsuit against Paramount Global over a “60 Minutes” interview and threats to block a Washington, D.C., NFL stadium deal unless the Commanders revert to the controversial “Redskins” name, suggest potential interference.
While the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved a prior Paramount-Skydance merger after a Trump-related settlement, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated the civil suit and regulatory review were unrelated. Similar political dynamics could affect the ESPN-NFL deal.

Consumer Cost Concerns: The Senate Commerce Committee, led by Senator Ted Cruz, held a May 2025 hearing addressing rising costs for fans as sports shift to streaming platforms. Critics, including John Bergmayer of Public Knowledge, warn that media consolidation could recreate expensive cable-like bundles, limiting consumer choice.

The NFL has met with 30 congressional offices to promote the deal as enhancing consumer choice, but public and regulatory skepticism persists about potential price increases.

Sactown Radio: Sports Voice Grant Napear Lands PM Drive ON KSAC

Grant Napear

Grant Napear, a prominent Sacramento sports broadcaster, is returning to radio with a new weekday show on Lotus Communications’ Fox Sports Sacramento (KSAC-AM 890 and K284CM-FM 104.7) from 3–6 p.m., starting September 2, 2025. 

This marks his comeback to Sacramento airwaves five years after his controversial exit from KHTK-AM (Sports 1140) and his role as the Sacramento Kings’ TV play-by-play announcer in June 2020.

Napear’s departure stemmed from a May 31, 2020, Twitter exchange with former Kings player DeMarcus Cousins, who asked Napear’s stance on the Black Lives Matter movement. Napear responded, “ALL LIVES MATTER…EVERY SINGLE ONE!!!” The tweet, posted days after George Floyd’s killing amid nationwide protests, was widely criticized as dismissive of Black Lives Matter, leading to his resignation from the Kings after 32 years and his firing by KHTK’s parent company, Bonneville International. 

Napear maintained the comment reflected his belief in the value of all lives, citing ignorance rather than racist intent, and later sued Bonneville for wrongful termination, discrimination, and retaliation. The lawsuit was dismissed in March 2025, with an appeal pending.

After leaving Sacramento and relocating to Utah, Napear launched the podcast If You Don’t Like That With Grant Napear in October 2020, which has garnered over 600,000 downloads and maintained a strong following among Kings fans. He continued covering the Kings and NBA, often with former broadcast partner Jerry Reynolds.

The ComebackNapear’s new show on Fox Sports Sacramento will compete directly with KHTK, where his afternoon program once dominated the market. Known for his brash, opinionated style—often calling out callers as “morons” and challenging athletes—Napear aims to revive the energetic format that defined his 26-year tenure at KHTK. 

Lotus Communications’ General Manager Kurt Bagelmann praised Napear’s return, citing his “knowledge, energy, industry connections, and ability to connect with local fans” as a boost for the station. Napear reflected on his time away, stating he has “listened, learned, and grown,” with a goal to unite the Sacramento community through sports.

Saga Reports 5 Percent Drop In Net Revenue

Saga Communications, Inc. released its Q2 2025 earnings report on August 7, 2025. 

Key financial highlights:

• Net Revenue: Decreased 5.0% to $28.2 million from $29.7 million in Q2 2024. Same-station net revenue fell 6.4% to $27.6 million.
• Station Operating Expenses: Dropped 4.6% to $22.2 million, with same-station expenses down 6.4% to $21.7 million.
• Operating Income: Declined to $1.4 million from $2.1 million in Q2 2024. Station operating income (non-GAAP) decreased 6.4% to $6.0 million.
• Net Income: Fell to $1.1 million ($0.18 per diluted share) from $2.5 million in Q2 2024, missing analyst estimates of $0.23 per share. Revenue was slightly below expectations of $29.5 million.
• Capital Expenditures: Reduced to $1.3 million from $1.5 million in Q2 2024, with a full-year 2025 projection of $3.0–$3.5 million.
• Cash Position: $24.9 million in cash and short-term investments as of June 30, 2025, increasing to $27.3 million by August 4, 2025.
• Dividends: Paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on June 27, 2025, totaling ~$1.6 million. Cumulative dividends since 2012 exceed $138 million.
• Strategic Moves: In non-binding talks to sell tower sites, expecting proceeds in the high seven-figure to low eight-figure range. Evaluating non-core asset sales to fund stock buybacks.

News Media Corporation Shuts Down, Creating News Deserts

One of New Media' newspapers

News Media Corporation (NMC), an Illinois-based publisher of 21 weekly local small town newspapers, abruptly ceased operations Wednesday, creating news deserts across the West and Midwest.

In a letter to employees, CEO J.J. Thompson announced, “As of August 6, 2025, your employment with NMC and/or its affiliated companies will end permanently.” 

Thompson cited financial challenges, a severe industry downturn, revenue declines, rising costs, and a failed attempt to sell the company as reasons for the closure. 

“This decision was not made lightly,” he wrote, noting that all avenues to sustain operations had been explored.

Among the casualties are 16 Wyoming newspapers under Newspapers, Inc., leaving eight Wyoming counties—35% of the state—without local coverage. 

Employees, blindsided by the announcement, described the closure as “the death of a thousand cuts.” One staffer, speaking to the Cowboy State Daily, expressed shock and devastation, anticipating anger to follow.

Thompson assured employees that NMC would attempt to pay earned compensation, subject to secured lenders’ approval. Healthcare coverage ended immediately on August 6, though 401k plans through The Standard remain accessible for rollover. HR support will be available until August 27.

The sudden closure has drawn criticism for its lack of warning, with employees reeling from the abrupt loss of jobs and communities left without vital local news sources.