Good Morning! Let's Check The Pulse For Thursday, Jan 29

Radio Broadcasting

• Major Group Restructuring and "Content-First" Strategies:  Audacy has shifted to a content-first, format-driven model, moving away from market-based structures to better scale talent and digital efforts while maintaining local focus. This reflects broader industry adaptation to multi-platform demands, with CEO Kelli Turner realigning regional leadership for revenue growth. Similar moves highlight how groups are prioritizing content over geography amid digital competition.
• AI's Growing Role in Radio Operations and Content: Acceptance of AI in audio is rising, but success hinges on trust and human elements. Partnerships like Connoisseur Media with Super Hi-Fi for AI-driven re-platforming, Benztown's AirReady AI for imaging, and ongoing debates show broadcasters defining AI's role in automation, personalization, and efficiency. Edison Research notes listener awareness is increasing, positioning AI as a 2026 transformation tool rather than a full replacement.
• Regulatory and Enforcement Focus :  The FCC is ramping up pirate radio enforcement (sixth annual PIRATE Act report), with actions ongoing despite potential Supreme Court review. Other issues include proposals to delete certain FM allotments (e.g., a Houston rimshot signal) and cautions against consolidation harming low-power FM stations. Advocates warn deregulation could favor large broadcasters and hurt community radio.
• Advertising and Growth Forecasts for 2026:  Local ad spending is projected to rise ~3%, with radio/audio leading via digital extensions like streaming, podcasts, and programmatic. Borrell Associates sees radio "finding the formula" through better packaging and positioning. Podcast ad growth accelerates (IAB forecasts ~9.6%), while digital audio grows more modestly. Challenges persist from competition and economic uncertainty, but cross-platform sales offer resilience.
• Leadership and Industry Transitions:  Notable moves include RCS President/CEO Philippe Generali retiring after nearly 30 years, and various executive appointments (e.g., United Stations' affiliate sales director). Broader predictions for 2026 emphasize consolidation, relaxed ownership rules, and balancing AI with human-centric content.

Media

Fox News is celebrating record dominance (top cable news for 24 years straight, overtaking CBS in some metrics for January 2026), while CNN and MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) show viewership gains amid the news surge. Longer-term pressures persist: AI's impact on traffic/search, potential mergers (e.g., speculation around Warner Bros./CNN), public broadcasting funding cuts, and ongoing trust/political attacks on outlets (e.g., White House "Offender Hall of Shame" features).

Fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis (Alex Pretti and Renee Macklin Good)
New videos have emerged showing prior clashes between Alex Pretti and immigration agents (including an altercation about a week before his death, with claims of spitting and vehicle damage in some reports). Agents involved are on leave, and the incident has triggered protests, a town hall confrontation, and an assault on Rep. Ilhan Omar (who blamed Trump's "hateful rhetoric" and called him "obsessed" with dementia-like behavior). Coverage varies sharply: outlets like Fox News emphasize prior aggression and law enforcement context, while CNN, NBC, NPR, and others highlight civil rights concerns, community outrage, and calls for accountability. This has become a national flashpoint for Trump's immigration agenda.

Severe winter weather in the South:  Ice, frigid temps, and widespread power outages worsen (e.g., desperate calls for oxygen/medication in Mississippi; restoration could take days).
U.S. life expectancy reaches new high:  Up to 79 years in 2024 data, due to falling overdose and COVID deaths (though still lags other wealthy nations).

Sports

Super Bowl LX buildup intensifies:  With less than two weeks until kickoff (Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium), stories focus on:

• Bad Bunny headlining halftime (with Green Day also involved), drawing praise from artists like Benson Boone but criticism from President Trump (who called it "terrible" and said he's skipping the game).
• Ad trackers (e.g., X's Brand Ranx measuring buzz for brands like Totino's, Budweiser).
• General prep, including ticket distribution and global interest.