Saturday, September 20, 2025

Radio History: Sep 21


➦In 1943...WNYC-FM call letters debut.

WNYC began regularly scheduled broadcasts on the FM band on March 13, 1943 at 43.9 megacycles. Known originally as W39NY, the FM outlet adopted its present WNYC-FM call letters and its present frequency of 93.9 MHz within a few years.

➦In 1948..."Life With Luigi" debuted on the CBS Radio Network. It continued to March 3, 1953.

➦In 1965..KYW 1060 AM in Philadelphia flipped to an all-news format.

KYW began in 1921 in Chicago, Illinois. It was jointly owned by Westinghouse Electric Corporation and Commonwealth Edison. Westinghouse later bought out ComEd's share and became sole owner of the station.

In 1927, Westinghouse aligned its four radio stations (KYW, KDKA in Pittsburgh, WBZ in Boston and WBZA in Springfield, Massachusetts) with the NBC Blue Network, which originated from former sister station WJZ (the present-day WABC) in New York City. Westinghouse had been a founding partner of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), NBC's original parent company.

On September 21, 1965, shortly after Westinghouse regained control of 1060 AM, the newly rechristened KYW once again dropped its NBC radio affiliation and was converted into one of the first all-news stations in the country.  Newsman Steve Porter read the first newscast. It had been edited by Fred B. Walters, the former Harrisburg bureau chief and eventual Executive Editor.

Five months earlier Westinghouse Broadcasting converted 1010WINS, KYW's New York sister station since 1962, from a Top-40 format to all-news.  A similar move was made three years later at another Westinghouse-owned station, KFWB in Los Angeles.  KYW has been one of the highest-rated radio stations in the country since that point and has been the market leader in Philadelphia for much of that time. The Westinghouse all-news trio, meanwhile, revolutionized and defined the all-news format. KYW's early format elements were shared with WINS, such as the distinctive teletype sound effect playing in the background, and the slogans "All News, All the Time", "The Newswatch Never Stops", "Listen 2, 3, 4 Times a Day" and "You Give Us 22 Minutes, We'll Give You the World".

KYW's present format runs on a 30-minute cycle. Regular segments include contains traffic and mass transit reports from Metro Traffic every ten minutes on the "twos" (six times an hour), sports updates every quarter-hour (twice an hour, at :15 and :45), weather reports as much as six times an hour (four regularly scheduled reports at :07, :14, :37 and :44 past every hour with breaking weather news plus special forecasts for the New Jersey Shore and the Poconos), and business news from Bloomberg twice an hour (at :25 and :55). When breaking news warrants, KYW will break format to provide continuous coverage of any event.

Its television sister took advantage of the radio station's popularity by incorporating a version of KYW's musical sounder into its news themes from 1991 to 2003. In addition, a television program entitled KYW Newsradio 1060 This Morning aired from 5 to 8 a.m. on sister station WPSG (channel 57) in the early 2000s, adapting KYW's "clock" to television. The show was popular among local cable programming in its daypart, and in late 2004 was usurped (due in part to a new affiliation to Traffic Pulse) by television staffers and assumed the name Wake UP News.

Westinghouse Electric announced its purchase of CBS in 1995, and upon its completion KYW became a sister station to its long-time rival, CBS-owned WGMP (1210 AM, now WPHT). That station, under its original WCAU call letters, attempted to compete with KYW in all-news programming during the late 1970s but failed, dumping the format after only three years. Today, the news format continues and the station is owned by Entercom.

KYW is currently the easternmost station in the United States whose call-sign begins with the letter K. It is also one of three such stations in Pennsylvania, the other ones being KQV and sister station KDKA, both in Pittsburgh.

➦In 1968...Harry Harrison aired his last show at WMCA 570 AM. In 2-days he started at 77WABC.

Republican Senator Rips FCC's Carr As 'Mob Boss'


On the Friday episode of his podcast Verdict with Ted Cruz, the Texas Republican senator issued a strong rebuke of Carr's approach, despite expressing personal fondness for him and delight over Kimmel's suspension. 

Cruz played clips of Carr's interview and called the rhetoric "dangerous as hell," likening it directly to mob tactics from the film Goodfellas. He paraphrased Carr's warning as a mafioso entering a bar and saying, "Nice bar you have here—it'd be a shame if something happened to it."

Cruz emphasized that while he "hates what Jimmy Kimmel said" and is "thrilled that he was fired," using government power to censor media sets a perilous precedent. 


"I think it is unbelievably dangerous for government to put itself in the position of saying, ‘We’re going to decide what speech we like and what we don’t, and we’re going to threaten to take you off air if we don’t like what you’re saying,’" he said. He warned that Democrats could weaponize such tactics against conservatives in the future, stating, "They will silence us... They will use this power, and they will use it ruthlessly."

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation—which oversees the FCC—Cruz's comments carry significant weight and mark one of the most prominent conservative criticisms of the move.

Stalemate Between ABC/Disney and Jimmy Kimmel


As of Friday, Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains off-air "indefinitely" following its suspension on Wednesday, amid backlash over Kimmel's comments linking the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk to the "MAGA gang."

However, internal discussions between Kimmel's team and Disney/ABC executives have intensified, with reports indicating a strong desire to resume the show soon—potentially as early as next week—but no final agreement has been reached. The suspension is widely viewed as a temporary de-escalation tactic rather than a termination, driven by pressures from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's threats to review ABC's broadcast licenses, affiliate stations (like Nexstar and Sinclair) refusing to air the show, and advertiser concerns.

Kimmel and his team met with top Disney executives, including CEO Bob Iger and Television co-chair Dana Walden, in Los Angeles on Thursday. The talks aimed to chart a path forward but ended in a deadlock. Disney is pushing for Kimmel to "de-escalate" his on-air rhetoric, particularly avoiding further inflammatory comments on political topics like the Kirk assassination or Trump/MAGA narratives, to mitigate FCC scrutiny and affiliate boycotts. 

Kimmel, however, reportedly wants to address the controversy directly upon return, potentially with a monologue defending his original remarks and free speech. Sources describe the atmosphere as tense, with Disney emphasizing the need to protect the broader ABC network from license revocation risks.

Growing unrest among Disney employees and Hollywood allies has complicated the talks. Protests by Writers Guild of America (WGA) members outside Disney Studios in Burbank on September 18 highlighted fears of "government overreach" and self-censorship. Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner publicly criticized the suspension as "out-of-control intimidation," urging corporate leaders to defend the First Amendment. 


Affiliate and Business Pressures: Major ABC affiliates like Nexstar (32 stations) and Sinclair (28 stations) continue to preempt the show "for the foreseeable future," citing objections to Kimmel's comments. Nexstar's stance is tied to its pending $6.2 billion merger with Tegna, which requires FCC approval, adding leverage to their demands. Advertisers are holding spots for a potential return but seeking refunds, as the show generated $76.6 million in ad revenue in 2024. 

Kimmel's ratings have declined 24% year-over-year to about 129,000 viewers, but executives view him as a key asset under his remaining one-year contract.

What Led to Kimmel's Suspension


ABC canceled Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show on Wednesday following conservative backlash over a monologue he delivered two days prior.

The suspension highlights the Trump administration’s influence over media companies without new regulations. ABC, owned by Disney, faced pressure from Nexstar, a broadcaster seeking FCC approval for a $6 billion merger with Tegna. Nexstar owns 32 ABC affiliates, and Tegna owns 13.FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, appearing on Benny Johnson’s right-wing podcast, urged ABC stations to “push back” and “pre-empt” content not serving local communities, hinting at potential FCC action against ABC. Nexstar then announced it would pre-empt Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely, citing objections to Kimmel’s comments about Charlie Kirk’s killing. Sinclair, owning 31 ABC affiliates, followed suit.


Nexstar’s merger with Tegna requires FCC approval and may need the FCC to raise the 39% household reach cap for broadcasters, as the deal would likely exceed this limit. Nexstar, Sinclair, and Tegna together control 76 of ABC’s 205 affiliates, about 37% of the network’s local stations.ABC announced Kimmel’s indefinite suspension shortly after Nexstar’s statement and Carr’s podcast remarks.

Fox News Media To Cover Charlie Kirk Memorial Events


FOX News Media will present extensive, multiplatform live programming surrounding the memorial of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on Sunday, September 21st in Glendale, Arizona.

Starting at 6 AM/ET, FOX News Channel (FNC) will present a special edition of FOX & Friends Weekend (6-10 AM/ET) with Rachel Campos-Duffy, Charlie Hurt and Griff Jenkins hosting live outside State Farm Stadium. At 10 AM/ET Maria Bartiromo will anchor Sunday Morning Futures live outside of the arena where the memorial service will be held.

At 2PM/ET, Saturday in America host and co-host of Outnumbered Kayleigh McEnany and FOX & Friends co-host Lawrence Jones will present live special coverage of the memorial proceedings entitled Remembering Charlie Kirk. McEnany and Jones will be joined by FNC’s senior White House correspondent and co-anchor of The Sunday Briefing Jacqui Heinrich, who will be reporting live inside the State Farm Stadium. FNC correspondents Matt Finn, Alexis McAdams, Bill Melugin and Jeff Paul will also be reporting from Glendale.


Additionally, FOX News Digital will offer comprehensive online coverage of the memorial of Charlie Kirk, with live reports from Glendale featuring interviews, local perspectives, live blogging and digital updates. The site will also offer integrated opinion and commentary from FNC contributors and analysts on the ceremony. Viewers can access up-to-the-minute details through www.foxnews.com and the FOX News mobile app. 

FOX News Audio will also present long-form coverage of the memorial to hundreds of affiliated FOX News Radio stations nationwide, stream the live event, and feature coverage at FOXNewsRadio.com and through the FOX News App. FOX News Radio’s Jared Halpern and Jessica Rosenthal will anchor coverage throughout the day joined by reporter Jeff Monosso. FOX News Radio will also offer the FOX Nation special, ‘Charlie Kirk: An American Original,’ which dropped last week to affiliates across the country.

FOX News Media operates the FOX News Channel (FNC), FOX Business Network (FBN), FOX News Digital, FOX News Audio, FOX News Books, the direct-to-consumer streaming services FOX Nation and FOX News International and the free ad-supported television service FOX Weather. Currently the number one network in all of cable, FNC has also been the most watched television news channel for more than 22 consecutive years, while FBN is the top business channel on cable. Owned by Fox Corporation, FOX News Media reaches nearly 200 million people each month.

Michael Eisner: "Where Has All The Leadership Gone?"


Michael Eisner, Disney's CEO from 1984 to 2005 (overlapping briefly with Kimmel's 2003 debut), publicly slammed the decision on September 19, 2025, via a post on X (formerly Twitter). At 83, Eisner—who helped transform Disney into a global powerhouse through acquisitions like ABC and ESPN—didn't name Iger directly but took clear shots at current leadership for lacking "backbone" against "bullies." His full post read:
"Where has all the leadership gone? If not for university presidents, law firm managing partners, and corporate chief executives standing up against bullies, who then will step up for the first amendment? The ‘suspending indefinitely’ of Jimmy Kimmel immediately after the Chairman of the FCC’s aggressive yet hollow threatening of the Disney Company is yet another example of out-of-control intimidation. Maybe the Constitution should have said, ‘Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, except in one’s political or financial self-interest.' By-the-way, for the record, this ex-CEO finds Jimmy Kimmel very talented and funny."
Eisner's remarks mark a shift from his support for Iger just a year ago, when he backed him against activist investor Nelson Peltz's proxy fight, calling disruption "playing with fire." 

Their history is complex: Eisner was ousted in a 2004 shareholder revolt that paved the way for Iger, but they've maintained a cordial relationship since. This criticism adds weight, as Eisner is a "Disney Legend" whose era is often romanticized for bold moves like the ABC merger.

Public and Industry Reaction:  Eisner's post quickly amplified the backlash, with X users and media outlets sharing it widely. For instance, the New York Post highlighted it as a "veiled swipe," while outlets like The Wrap and Deadline noted it strains Iger's legacy. Other reactions include:




Democrats and First Amendment advocates, including Rep. Robert Garcia, have called for breaking up Disney's media dominance, while Trump celebrated the suspension (falsely tying it to ratings) and urged FCC scrutiny of The View.

Judge Tosses Trump's NYTimes Defamation Lawsuit


A federal judge in Florida has dismissed President Donald Trump’s defamation lawsuit against The New York Times just four days after its filing, labeling the complaint “improper and impermissible” in its current form. 

U.S. District Court Judge Steven D. Merryday for the Middle District of Florida granted Trump’s legal team 28 days to submit a revised complaint, capping any new filing at 40 pages. The 85-page lawsuit, seeking $15 billion in damages, targeted The New York Times, four of its reporters—Peter Baker, Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig, and Michael S. Schmidt—and Penguin Random House, which published a book by Craig and Buettner. 

Judge: 'PR Megaphone'
It alleged their reporting and the book tarnished Trump’s reputation as a successful businessman, claiming a series of pre-2024 election articles caused “enormous” damage to his professional interests.

Judge Merryday criticized the complaint’s excessive length and lack of focus, noting it delayed formal defamation allegations until page 80, preceded by “florid and enervating” sections praising Trump’s “singular brilliance” and calling his 2024 election victory “the greatest personal and political achievement in American history.” 

He wrote, “A complaint is not a public forum for vituperation and invective,” rejecting it as a platform for airing grievances.

Comcast Plans To Cut Jobs, Centralize Operations


Comcast has plans to restructure its largest business unit—known as Connectivity & Platforms—which encompasses its core Xfinity services including broadband internet, mobile, and pay television. The move aims to centralize operations and strengthen its broadband segment amid competitive pressures in the telecom industry. 

According to a Reuters report citing a source familiar with the matter and an internal employee memo, the changes will eliminate a management layer between corporate headquarters and regional offices, effective January 2026. This shake-up is expected to streamline decision-making and reduce redundancies but will also result in job losses, though the exact number of affected roles remains undetermined as the company finalizes which positions will shift to headquarters.

The cuts primarily impact administrative and mid-level roles in the Xfinity ecosystem. Comcast is still identifying specific functions like marketing, legal, finance, or engineering that will centralize at its Philadelphia headquarters. This builds on prior centralizations in these areas.

Scale of Layoffs:
No official headcount has been disclosed, but employee discussions on platforms like TheLayoff.com describe the reductions as "massive" due to "obvious redundancies" in the divisional setup. Impacted employees are slated to retain their positions through the end of 2025, providing a transition period. 

This isn't Comcast's first cost-cutting measure in 2025. Earlier rounds included layoffs at NBCUniversal (its media arm) in April and ongoing reductions in international units like Sky (a Comcast subsidiary), which cut 600 technician jobs in September 2025 as part of a platform overhaul. A March 2025 layoff affected around 60 call center employees, highlighting broader efficiency drives across the company.

The telecom sector as a whole is undergoing similar consolidations, with rivals like Charter Communications (Spectrum) also trimming staff to prioritize high-margin broadband over declining pay-TV services.

CNN Staffers Bracing for Upheaval

David Ellison

The Ellison family—led by billionaire Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and his son David, CEO of Skydance Media—is now eyeing Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), the parent company of CNN, HBO, and Warner Bros. studios. This potential $80 billion all-cash bid, backed by Larry's vast wealth, could create a media behemoth rivaling the likes of Disney or even Rupert Murdoch's empire. 

For CNN staffers, already fatigued by years of ownership churn and layoffs, the prospect evokes dread over ideological shifts, job cuts, and a potential merger with CBS News that could dilute the network's liberal-leaning identity.

CNN employs about 3,000 people but has slashed costs under CEO David Zaslav's belt-tightening. Staffers told Status News they're "bracing" for the bid's fallout, fearing:

Mass Layoffs and Synergies: Merging CNN with CBS News could yield "material cost savings" via overlapping operations, per MoffettNathanson analyst Michael Fishman—code for redundancies in D.C. bureaus, production, and digital teams. 




Ideological Overhaul: Ellison's CBS moves—hiring a conservative ombudsman and pausing DEI—hint at a rightward tilt for CNN, long a Trump target. Dan Rather, the CBS legend, warned on September 15 that an Ellison takeover "would change CNN forever" and "wound" CBS News further, decrying billionaire consolidation of news outlets as "not healthy for the country."

Editorial Power to Bari Weiss: The most visceral fear is Weiss, co-founder of the "anti-woke" digital outlet The Free Press (launched 2021, ~500K subscribers). Paramount Skydance is finalizing a $100M+ acquisition of The Free Press, valuing it above market rates to install Weiss in a senior CBS News role—possibly editor-in-chief or co-president. CBS staffers called it "insult to injury," per The Independent, given Weiss's pro-Israel, conservative commentary. 

If the WBD bid succeeds, CNN insiders worry this could erode the network's reporting ethos.

Trump Reports Progress On TikTok Deal


President Donald Trump announced that he had a "very productive" two-hour phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which they made significant progress on a long-stalled agreement to allow TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. by divesting its Chinese-owned assets. 

Trump described the deal as "approved" and "well on its way," though no formal signing has occurred yet, and details remain undisclosed. 

Trump, Xi
The leaders also agreed to meet in person in about six weeks—on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit starting October 31 in Gyeongju, South Korea—to discuss broader issues including U.S.-China trade tensions, the fentanyl crisis, and efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine. 

Trump added that he plans to visit China in early 2026, with Xi reciprocating in the U.S. at a later date. 

The TikTok deal stems from national security concerns raised during Trump's first term, when the app—owned by Beijing-based ByteDance—was flagged for potential data-sharing risks with the Chinese government. A U.S. ban was repeatedly delayed, with the latest extension to December 16, 2025.

Other Topics Covered in the Call: 
  • Trade: Discussions aimed at easing tariffs, which have reached century-high levels under Trump's policies. A temporary tariff truce from May 2025 expires in November, with the U.S. imposing 30% duties on Chinese imports and China retaliating with 10% on U.S. goods. China remains the U.S.'s third-largest trading partner despite a $300+ billion bilateral deficit. Xi urged avoiding "unilateral trade restrictions," per Chinese state media Xinhua.
  • Illicit Drugs (Fentanyl): The call addressed China's role in precursor chemical exports fueling the U.S. opioid crisis, which killed over 100,000 Americans last year. Trump has linked this to broader trade leverage.
  • Russia's War in Ukraine: Trump claimed both leaders want to "bring the war to an end," potentially involving China's influence over Russia (a key oil buyer). However, Chinese reports framed it vaguely as "global stability" without specifics on Ukraine, leading to skepticism from observers who note Beijing's tacit support for Moscow.

Sactown TV: Suspect Held After Shots Fired At ABC10 Building


Saturday 11am Update: Sacramento police arrested 64-year-old Anibal Hernandezsantana in connection with a drive-by shooting at the ABC10 television station on Broadway. The incident occurred just after 1:30 p.m. on Friday, with at least three rounds striking a window of the building. No injuries were reported. 

Hernandezsantana faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon, shooting into an occupied building, and negligent discharge of a firearm. He will be booked into Sacramento County Main Jail. The motive remains under investigation.

Police identified the suspect’s vehicle, leading to the arrest. The Sacramento Police Department condemned the attack, with public information officer Anthony Gamble stating, “This is unacceptable behavior. It’s not going to be tolerated in Sacramento.” Tegna, the owner of KXTV Channel 10, confirmed all employees are safe and said they are cooperating with law enforcement while enhancing security measures. 

The shooting follows recent controversy over ABC’s suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" due to the host’s comments about Charlie Kirk’s death.


Earlier story...

Shots were fired Friday afternoon into the building of ABC10 (KXTV), an ABC affiliate television station in downtown Sacramento. The gunfire struck a lobby window, leaving at least three visible bullet holes. No injuries were reported, though the building was occupied at the time, with one person in the lobby.

Police are investigating the incident as a drive-by shooting, where a vehicle approached the station, shots were fired, and the vehicle fled the scene.

Officers observed multiple gunshot impacts upon arrival and are actively seeking public tips, including anonymous ones. No suspect, vehicle description, or motive has been identified yet, and it's unclear if the station was specifically targeted or if the shots were random. Investigators remain on scene collecting evidence.

ABC10 is owned by Tegna Inc. which operates 64 news stations across 51 markets and is currently in the process of merging with Nexstar Media Group. Tegna issued a statement confirming the incident: "We can confirm that shots were fired into our station at KXTV earlier today. While details are still limited, importantly, all of our employees are safe and unharmed. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and have taken additional measures to ensure the continued safety of our employees."

The shooting occurred one day after a small protest of about 15 people gathered outside the station on Thursday, September 18, protesting ABC's indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The suspension stemmed from controversial comments Kimmel made about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which drew backlash from affiliates like Nexstar and threats from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.

NYC Radio: John Cats Urges Passage of Senate Bill with No Sunset

John Catsimatidis
By a vote of 50 to one, The House Energy & Commerce Committee passed The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (HR979). The legislation stops automakers’ plans to remove free AM Radio receivers from cars and forces listeners to pay for all audio services.

John Catsimatidis, Owner and CEO of Red Apple Media and AM station 77WABC, New York, stated:

“77WABC and all AM radio stations across the country provide life-saving information and emergency alerts to the public. While the committee’s action may be a step forward, a ridiculous last minute change sunsets the law in eight years. AM is the backbone of the emergency alert system and tornados, hurricanes, and other disasters won’t go away.

“The absurd eight-year sunset harms all Americans. Three hundred members of the House and 61 senators supported the bill without an eight-year sunset. Politics aside, Congress should not compromise on citizens receiving critical news from AM stations. The sunset must go.

“I want to thank House Energy & Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie (R, KY), Ranking Democrat Frank Pallone (I, NJ), and Gus Bilirakis (R, FL) for shepherding the bill through the committee.

“As the bill moves forward, I urge Congressional leaders and the President to pass the Senate’s bill (S.315), which is far superior, and protects the American public.”

St. Louis Radio: KLIS-AM Adds Updates From Virtual News Center


Virtual News Center, a leading provider of customized local news, weather, traffic, and sports reports for radio stations across the United States, has added a new affiliate in the St. Louis market. Virtual News Center is now providing local news and weather coverage for 590 KLIS-AM, owned by Big Toe Media, LLC.

KLIS listeners will now hear Virtual News Center’s trusted voices throughout the broadcast week:

Monday–Friday
  • Morning Drive: Jen Austin
  • Middays: Jared Cerullo
  • Afternoons: Peter Kileen
Saturday & Sunday
  • Jen Austin and Peter Kileen
Dave Greene, President of Big Toe Media, LLC, said the partnership has been an immediate success: “Virtual News Center provides a great value to us, and the partnership has been seamless. Jen, Jared, and Peter do a terrific job, and we are very happy with the services provided.”

Joel Dearing, CEO of Virtual News Center, noted the significance of the company’s growth into the market:  “We are very excited to be in St. Louis. It is very competitive, and we are honored that Dave Greene chose us for such an important content role.”

Virtual News Center continues to expand its footprint by helping stations of all sizes deliver reliable, local newscasts without the overhead of maintaining a full newsroom. The addition of KLIS-AM highlights the company’s growing presence in major radio markets.

For more information about Virtual News Center, visit www.virtualnewscenter.com.

SiriusXM Launching Taylor's Channel 13


SiriusXM is launching Taylor’s Channel 13, a limited-run exclusive channel dedicated to global superstar and 14-time GRAMMY winner Taylor Swift, starting today, 13 days before her new album, The Life of a Showgirl, drops. The channel will air 24/7 across North America, featuring Swift’s music from her 19-year career, with a focus on her upcoming album. On October 3, 2025, the album’s release day, Taylor’s Channel 13 will play The Life of a Showgirl in full every other hour starting at 12:00 am ET.

“Taylor Swift dominates music and pop culture, resonating with all generations,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “We’re excited to offer fans a unique space to celebrate her iconic career and new album with Taylor’s Channel 13.”Available on channel 13 in cars and via the SiriusXM app, the channel runs from September 20 to October 19, 2025, for subscribers across North America.

CRS Now Accepting Apps For Lisa McKay Scholarships


The Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) and Country Radio Seminar (CRS) are accepting applications for the Lisa McKay Women in Radio Scholarship, honoring the legacy of Lisa McKay, a trailblazing figure in radio programming and an inspiration for aspiring female leaders.

Eligible applicants are female college seniors studying broadcast communications with radio programming involvement or females with 1-3 years of experience as a Program Director, Assistant Program Director, or Music Director in radio. 

Applicants must be first-time CRS attendees. Applications are open through October 13, 2025.

Three recipients will receive full CRS 2026 registration, round-trip airfare to Nashville, and hotel accommodations at the Omni Nashville Hotel, plus recognition during CRS 2026 week. 

Apply at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.For more details, visit the website, follow CRS on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or call 615-327-4487.

Charlotte TV: $50M Settlement In Helicopter Death of Meteorologist


A country judge has ordered iHeartMedia’s Total Traffic & Weather Network to pay $50 million to the family of WBTV meteorologist Jason Myers, who died in a November 2022 helicopter crash in Charlotte, NC, alongside pilot Chip Tayag. 

The crash, caused by a faulty nut in the helicopter’s rotor, was attributed to negligent maintenance by iHeartMedia subsidiaries. The total judgment was $126.3 million, with $50 million payable within two months, and the rest potentially covered by excess insurance. Myers, survived by his wife Jillian and three children, was a beloved Charlotte meteorologist. The settlement acknowledges the family’s loss but cannot replace Myers, per his wife’s statement.


In a statement to WCNC-TV, Jillian Myers expressed the profound grief behind the financial resolution: "There is no acceptable amount of money that rights the wrongful and preventable events that robbed me of the Love of my life, our children of their father, and Jason’s family of their son and brother. This settlement does not bring back the man we lost, but it does represent a formal acknowledgment of the profound impact his death has had on our family."

The case highlights ongoing concerns about aviation safety in broadcast journalism, where helicopters are used for live traffic and weather coverage. It may prompt stricter maintenance protocols for similar operations nationwide.

An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) later determined the cause was a critical mechanical failure: a loose or faulty nut on the main rotor blade assembly that had been overlooked during maintenance.

Radio History: Sep 20


➦In 1921...KDKA Pittsburgh established the world's first radio newsroom.  The first daily radio newscasts featured a reports from The Pittsburgh Post.

Harry Harrison
➦In 1930...NYC Personality Harry Harrison was born in Chicago. (Died January 28, 2020)

Harrison is the only DJ to be a WMCA "Good Guy", a WABC "All-American", and on the WCBS-FM line-up when the New York station flipped to the "Jack" format in June 2005.

He attended a seminary, intending to become a priest. But he decided to make broadcasting his career after spending nearly a year as a teenager glued to the radio while bedridden with rheumatic fever.

Harrison worked at WCFL in the early 50s as a summer replacement, yet remained there eight months, substituting for the permanent DJs. In 1954, Harrison became program director at WPEO, Peoria and hosted the morning show as the "Morning Mayor of Peoria."  In just six months, Harrison made WPEO the top station.

In 1959, Harrison joined WMCA, New York, as the mid-day "Good Guy." Joe O'Brien (mornings) and Harrison gave WMCA a "one-two punch" for over eight years.  In 1965, he recorded the nationally charted holiday narration "May You Always" on Amy Records.

Harrison became popular with his "Housewife Hall of Fame” feature, and participated in the 1966 WMCA Good Guy picnic. Often, he scored the highest ratings on WMCA. WABC program director Rick Sklar took note.

In 1968, when WABC morning man Herb Oscar Anderson left the station, Rick Sklar hired Harrison to replace him. Harrison was followed in the WABC day by Ron Lundy.

Friday, September 19, 2025

Jimmy Kimmel Is Defiant: No Apology


Jimmy Kimmel is defiant amid suspension Over Charlie Kirk comments.  New York Post report Thursday revealed that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has no intention of apologizing for his controversial remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, despite ABC's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely.

According to sources close to the production, Kimmel plans to address the backlash in a future episode by explaining the context of his comments and demonstrating how they were misinterpreted, but he explicitly refused to issue an apology.

The report portrays Kimmel as "unrepentant," signaling his determination to continue his satirical attacks on the MAGA movement and President Donald Trump, even as the controversy escalates threats from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and conservative figures. This stance has fueled a broader debate on free speech, media censorship, and the politicization of comedy in the Trump era.

According to the Post report, Kimmel was prepared to address the controversy on the September 17 episode but was preempted by ABC's decision. Sources indicated he intended to clarify that his comments targeted MAGA rhetoric around the shooting, not Kirk himself or his family, and to provide evidence of how conservatives were using the event for political points—such as claims that the left was celebrating Kirk's death.


Crucially, Kimmel has no plans to apologize, viewing the backlash as overblown and politically motivated. Insiders described him as ready to "double down" on his anti-MAGA satire upon return, potentially dedicating segments to critiquing Trump's media attacks and FCC overreach.

Payola Probes: Radio RICO A Potential Game-Changer


The phrase "Radio could be facing a RICO" refers to emerging reports and discussions about federal investigations into the U.S. radio broadcasting sector, potentially leading to charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). RICO, enacted in 1970, targets organized criminal activity by allowing prosecutors to charge individuals or enterprises with a "pattern of racketeering"

If these probes escalate to full RICO indictments, they could ensnare major radio conglomerates (e.g., iHeartMedia, Cumulus), record labels (e.g., Universal Music Group, Sony BMG), and executives, fundamentally altering how songs are selected and pushed to audiences. This isn't just historical scandal revival—it's tied to modern digital-age schemes, amplified by recent high-profile lawsuits like Drake's against UMG.

Reports this month indicate federal probes—led by the FCC, DOJ, and possibly the FBI—are expanding into money laundering, racketeering, fraud, and payola at a systemic level.

Money Laundering and Fraud: Labels allegedly pay radio at "inflated rates" for airplay, then cycle the money back as "clean" profits via shell entities or overreported expenses. This qualifies as laundering under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, especially if tied to unreported cyber incidents (e.g., hacks exposing financial trails). One scheme mirrors historical payola but scales it: funds from illegal sources (e.g., drug ops in border regions) are "washed" through radio promotions.

Racketeering and Payola: Beyond simple bribes, this involves coordinated enterprises where stations and labels form "patterns" of corruption. Recent FCC probes, like the February 2025 iHeartMedia payola investigation, uncovered evidence of widespread violations. Akademiks and podcasters like Rory & Mal have detailed how this includes falsified airplay data (wire fraud) and kickbacks disguised as "marketing."

A key catalyst: Drake's May 2025 lawsuit against UMG, alleging payola for Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" (which iHeartRadio settled). This forced discovery of documents, "pouring fuel on the fire" and exposing broader schemes. Drake's own lyrics (e.g., "Radio is king again, Billboard got me regulated") have fueled speculation that his legal action inadvertently triggered federal scrutiny. Industry insiders predict "fall guys" (e.g., mid-level execs) will take the blame, but majors like UMG could face civil suits or license revocations.


Who's at Risk? iHeartMedia (largest U.S. owner), Cumulus, and labels like UMG/Sony top the list. Artists (e.g., those accused of heavy payola like certain hip-hop acts) could see chart positions retroactively questioned, affecting royalties.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr Threatens ‘The View’


FCC Chairman Brendan Carr escalated his regulatory pressure on ABC by suggesting that the agency investigate the network's popular daytime talk show The View, just one day after ABC indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! amid similar threats.

Carr's comments, made during an interview with conservative commentator Scott Jennings, question whether The View—along with other late-night programs—should continue to qualify as a "bona fide news interview program" exempt from the FCC's "equal time" rules. 


These rules, under Section 315 of the Communications Act, require broadcasters to provide comparable airtime to political candidates if one is featured, but exemptions apply to news-like formats. Carr implied that such shows might be engaging in biased commentary rather than genuine journalism, potentially subjecting them to stricter scrutiny, fines, or license reviews for ABC affiliates. 

This marks the second time in 2025 that Carr has targeted The View, following threats in July over its critical comments about President Donald Trump, which he flagged as potential violations during a Fox News appearance.

Philly Radio: KYW Newsradio Commemorates Diamond Anniversary


KYW Newsradio (103.9 FM and 1060 AM), an Audacy station in Philadelphia, celebrated its 60th anniversary with a gala at the historic Bellevue Hotel on September 17. The event was a highlight of the station’s year-long celebrations, including events and on-air programs throughout 2025.

The gala marks six decades since the station adopted its all-news format in September 1965 and honors KYW’s enduring legacy as a trusted source for breaking news, traffic, weather and local service journalism.

“This celebration is the perfect opportunity to bring together the people who have made KYW Newsradio what it is today – clients, partners, community leaders, station friends, staff and alumni,” said David Yadgaroff, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Philadelphia. “When you’re a part of an institution that has been the constant voice of a city for six decades, you feel the weight and honor of that history every day. It’s a tribute to all those who have contributed to the station, devoted their lives to telling the story of the Delaware Valley, and built the trust we hold with our community.”

“This year’s 60th celebration is a true testament to the longevity and value of all-news radio,” said Kristina Koppeser, Brand Manager and Director of Digital, KYW Newsradio. “The world has changed a lot over the last sixty years, but the need for consistent, unbiased news to inform the public has only become more important. KYW Newsradio is always there for the people who depend on us, just like it has been for 60 years. Our goal is to be there for the region whenever and wherever we are needed for at least another 60 years.”

Since its inception, KYW Newsradio has been a staple in the community, delivering impartial and reliable information to millions of listeners. The station’s commitment to reporting on local and national events, along with its live 24-hour traffic center, has cemented its role as a vital part of daily life for generations of Philadelphians.

📻Listeners can tune in to KYW Newsradio (103.9 FM and 1060 AM) in Philadelphia on-air and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station via X, Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on anniversary programming.

AM Radio Act Passes House Committe Vote


The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (H.R. 979 in the House and S. 315 in the Senate) hascleared a major hurdle in the House with a voice vote during a full markup session of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

This advances it to the House floor for a full vote, potentially as early as late September or early October, amid budget deadlines. 

The committee approval came after a long docket focused on health and tech issues, with Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) emphasizing AM's unmatched reliability for public safety.

A key amendment was added to address automaker concerns: It provides more flexibility in implementation timelines and eases some technical requirements for electric vehicles (EVs), where interference has been an issue. This compromise was praised by broadcasters but drew quiet opposition from music industry lobbyists pushing for performance royalties on radio.

Bipartisan Support and Next Steps

➤House: 296 cosponsors (surpassing two-thirds of the chamber, up from 270 in the 118th Congress). Sponsored by Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Pallone.

➤Senate: 61 cosponsors (filibuster-proof majority). Sponsored by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ed Markey (D-MA). It was reported out of the Senate Commerce Committee on February 5, 2025, and placed on the legislative calendar. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is urged to schedule a vote soon. 

If passed by both chambers in 2025, DOT would finalize the rule in 2026. The NAB is running PSAs encouraging listeners to text "AM" to 39179 to contact lawmakers.

While support is overwhelming, automakers like Ford and GM have cited EV interference costs (estimated at a few million dollars annually), though most vehicles already include FM. No major opposition has stalled progress, but floor timing could slip due to fiscal priorities. On X (formerly Twitter), broadcasters and advocates celebrated the committee win, with posts highlighting its public safety benefits.

Nexstar, Sinclair Lobbying FCC Over Regulatory Issues


Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group are two of the largest owners of local television stations in the United States, controlling hundreds of affiliates across major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox. 

Both companies have significant influence over what content airs in local markets, as they operate or partner with stations that reach millions of households. They are major players in the broadcast industry, often navigating FCC regulations on ownership limits, mergers, and content standards.

📺Nexstar Media Group: Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Nexstar is the nation's largest TV station owner, with over 200 owned or operated stations in more than 100 markets, reaching about 39% of U.S. TV households (the FCC's national cap). It generates revenue primarily from local advertising, political ads, and retransmission fees from cable providers. Nexstar is known for aggressive acquisitions and has been a vocal advocate for relaxing FCC ownership rules to compete with streaming giants.

📺Sinclair Broadcast Group: Based in Hunt Valley, Maryland, Sinclair is the second-largest station group, owning or operating around 185 stations in 86 markets, reaching about 40% of households through affiliates and sidecar companies. It's often criticized for conservative-leaning editorial content and mandatory commentary syndication to local stations. Like Nexstar, Sinclair relies on local news, sports, and political advertising.

Carr, Kimmel
Both companies are lobbying the FCC to loosen rules, including the 39% national audience cap and local market ownership limits, arguing these restrictions hinder competition against Big Tech. Their efforts align with the Trump administration's deregulatory stance, as FCC Chair Brendan Carr has signaled openness to changes.

On Wednesday, both Nexstar and Sinclair announced they would preempt (skip airing) Jimmy Kimmel Live! on their ABC-affiliated stations "indefinitely" or "for the foreseeable future," citing Kimmel's "offensive and insensitive" monologue comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel had mocked attempts to portray Kirk's killer as unrelated to MAGA supporters, saying, "We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.

"This decision affected dozens of stations: Nexstar controls about 32 ABC affiliates, and Sinclair about 40. Shortly after, ABC (owned by Disney) suspended the show network-wide "indefinitely," replacing it with a tribute to Kirk on Friday. FCC Chair Brendan Carr had publicly condemned Kimmel earlier that day on a podcast, calling his remarks "some of the sickest conduct possible" and urging affiliates to preempt the show to serve "community values," while hinting at potential FCC action against broadcasters airing such content.

Mouse House Under Fire


Jimmy Kimmel, a top Disney star, was set to tape his Wednesday late-night show in Hollywood at 4:30 p.m., with a monologue tackling a raging political controversy head-on. 

Conservatives accused Kimmel of misrepresenting the politics of the suspect in the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. 

The FCC chairman warned ABC of severe repercussions, stating, “We can do this the easy or hard way.” A Texas-based owner of multiple ABC affiliates threatened to pull Kimmel’s show indefinitely.

Disney CEO Bob Iger and television head Dana Walden faced pressure from nervous advertisers and employees receiving threatening messages. After reviewing Kimmel’s planned remarks, executives feared his monologue would escalate the situation.

They decided to pull “Jimmy Kimmel Live” off the air temporarily. 

The move, driven by a complex mix of political and financial pressures on one of America’s largest corporations, sparked a fierce debate over free speech. Democrats, actors, and comedians decried the decision, while right-wing activists cheered. 

During a diplomatic trip in Britain, President Trump mocked Kimmel’s “bad ratings” and said ABC “should have fired him long ago.”“He was fired for lack of talent,” Trump claimed, though Kimmel was not fired. ABC suspended the show “indefinitely,” but by Thursday, network executives were working to bring their late-night star back on air soon, according to The NYTimes.

Trump Suggests Revoking Local Broadcast Licenses


President Donald Trump floated the idea of revoking licenses for local broadcast networks that air content critical of him, intensifying his ongoing feud with major media outlets. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump criticized networks for what he perceives as biased coverage, specifically targeting evening shows that "hit Trump." 

He claimed, "They’re licensed. They’re not allowed to do that. They’re an arm of the Democrat party," alleging that networks operate with a partisan agenda.

Trump's remarks followed ABC's indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! earlier that day, prompted by host Jimmy Kimmel's comments mocking Vice President JD Vance and Trump in connection to the death of pro-Trump activist Charlie Kirk. Trump pointed to a supposed statistic that "the networks were 97% against me," adding, "I won all seven swing states, the popular vote, whatever," despite what he described as overwhelmingly negative press. 



He suggested that FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, whom he praised as a "patriot" and "tough guy," could oversee potential license revocations, stating, "It will be up to Brendan Carr. We’ll have to see."

Earlier that day, at the Axios Media Trends Live event, Carr endorsed ABC’s decision to pull Kimmel’s show, arguing that broadcasters have an "obligation to operate in the public interest." He hinted at further FCC actions, including fines or license reviews, for content deemed inflammatory, a move critics like FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez called a "weaponization" of the agency’s authority to suppress free speech. 

Why It Matters   Trump’s suggestion to revoke broadcast licenses marks a significant escalation in his administration’s efforts to pressure media, raising alarms about First Amendment violations.

Commissioner Criticizes "Weaponizing" of The FCC


Thursday at the Axios Media Trends Live event in Washington, D.C., FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez, the agency's sole remaining Democratic member, delivered pointed criticism of the Trump administration's approach to regulating broadcasters. 

Gomez, appointed by President Biden in 2023 and confirmed unanimously by the Senate, accused the FCC under Chairman Brendan Carr of "weaponizing its licensing authority in order to bring broadcasters to heel." 

Gomez's remarks were part of a broader panel discussion on media trends, where she emphasized the FCC's role in protecting free speech and the press under the First Amendment. She stated that the commission's actions represent a "dangerous precedent" of transforming an independent regulator into an "instrument of political censorship." 

Drawing from her experiences as the lone Democrat on a commission now dominated by Trump appointees Gomez vowed to "refuse to stay quiet" amid what she described as an "absolute pattern of censorship and control." She highlighted how licensing reviews, investigations, and threats are being leveraged to "chill speech and punish the press," particularly outlets critical of President Trump.

Since Carr assumed the chairmanship on January 20, 2025, following Trump's inauguration, Gomez has been vocal in dissents and public statements, positioning herself as a defender of the FCC's independence. For instance, in May 2025, she spoke at the Media Institute Communications Forum, warning that the agency was being "weaponized to chill speech" and praising past chairs for resisting political pressure. Her Axios comments echo these themes but come at a heightened moment, amid escalating tensions over specific broadcaster investigations and the recent suspension of ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live!

NYTimes Editor Asserts Trump Is Wrong


At the Axios Media Trends Live event in New York City, The New York Times Executive Editor Joseph Kahn expressed strong confidence in defeating President Donald Trump's recently filed $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the newspaper. 

Kahn, who has overseen the Times' newsroom since 2022, stated unequivocally, "He’s wrong on the facts. He’s wrong on the law. And we’ll fight it. And we’ll win it," emphasizing that the paper has "no intention of settling" the case. This stance contrasts sharply with recent settlements by other media giants, such as Disney/ABC's $15 million payout and Paramount's $16 million agreement earlier in 2025 over similar defamation claims by Trump. Kahn highlighted the Times' commitment to journalistic independence, framing the lawsuit as an attempt to intimidate rather than a meritorious legal action. 

He also addressed broader media trends, including the pressures on news organizations amid political attacks, but positioned the Times as resolute in defending First Amendment protections.


Kahn's remarks were part of a panel discussion on the evolving media landscape under the Trump administration, where he underscored the importance of rigorous reporting on public figures. He noted that Trump's suit lacks substantive evidence, relying instead on inflammatory rhetoric accusing the Times of being a "full-throated mouthpiece of the Democrat Party." 

President Trump filed the $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit on Monday, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, a venue often favorable to Trump due to its location in his home state. The suit targets The New York Times Company, four of its prominent reporters—Susanne Craig, Russ Buettner, Peter Baker, and Michael S. Schmidt—and book publisher Penguin Random House. 

It alleges a "long pattern of intentional and malicious defamation" through three specific articles and a book published in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, which Trump claims were designed to undermine his campaign against Kamala Harris.