The Wake-Up Pulse For Jan 26

Radio Broadcasting:

Commercial Radio Revenue and Growth Forecasts:  

• Borrell Associates' forecast positions radio for a steadier 2026, describing it as having found "the formula" amid mixed projections elsewhere in media.
• Programmatic audio advertising is accelerating, with forecasts pointing to around $1.2 billion in capture as advertiser access grows through automation.
• BIA Advisory Services highlights "Radio's Resilience Through Digital Extension" as a top 2026 ad trend, with major expected growth in digital/streaming extensions for traditional broadcasters.
• However, national radio spot ad revenue continues declining modestly (projected -3.5% to about $1.70 billion in 2026, following a similar drop in 2025).

Positive Performers and Company News: MediaCo Holding Inc. reported breakout audio growth at the end of 2025, ranking among the fastest-growing radio broadcasters in the U.S., driven in part by strong performance from EstrellaTV's audio-related efforts.

Regulatory and FCC Developments The FCC's Media Bureau issued guidance in January 2026 on political equal opportunities rules for broadcasters, clarifying application (including potential implications for talk shows and bona fide news programming exemptions).

Broader FCC actions include spectrum auctions resuming (first in nearly four years), aimed at boosting wireless leadership, though this indirectly affects broadcast spectrum management.

Radio stations are pushing forward with online/digital platform development, with incremental increases in news directors and GMs launching important digital initiatives. 

Ominous Outlook for Media in 2026:  Multiple outlets describe 2026 as potentially challenging or even "ominous" for the sector, spanning Hollywood, journalism, streaming, and traditional media. Key pressures include economic squeezes, platform shifts, and a major looming deal with ripple effects on streaming services, film production, and news operations. NPR and Texas Public Radio highlighted this in early January pieces, noting that while the current environment is tough, worsening scenarios (e.g., further consolidation or revenue erosion) feel increasingly plausible.

Major Potential Consolidation and Mergers:   A blockbuster media deal continues to dominates, Paramount Global faces an extended hostile bid from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), with speculation around suitors like Netflix also in play. This could reshape entertainment, cable, sports rights, and broadcast landscapes. Analysts point to 2026 as a year of intensified consolidation in sports, cable, and broadcast media to combat disruption and subscription fatigue. Broader M&A trends emphasize dealmaking amid AI, streaming wars, and regulatory shifts.

The News

Massive Winter Storm Blankets Central and Eastern U.S.:   A powerful, expansive winter storm is gripping much of the country, bringing heavy snow, sleet, ice, freezing rain, and dangerously cold temperatures. 

Key impacts include:

• At least seven confirmed deaths so far, with widespread power outages affecting millions.
• Over 13,000 flight cancellations (mostly over the weekend, with ongoing disruptions).
• Roughly 185 million people under various winter weather alerts, including blizzard warnings in parts of the Midwest and Northeast.
• Travel chaos at major airports, strained power grids, and emergency declarations in at least 24 states. 

Fatal Shooting of U.S. Citizen by Federal Agent in Minneapolis Sparks Outrage and Political Clash The killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen, by a Border Patrol or federal immigration agent during an encounter has escalated into a major controversy:

• Videos and witness accounts appear to contradict initial DHS/federal claims of self-defense.
• Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has demanded President Trump withdraw ICE/Border Patrol agents from the city, accusing them of racial profiling and aggressive tactics in ongoing enforcement operations.

This marks the second fatal shooting by federal officers in Minneapolis in recent weeks (or less than a month), fueling protests, clashes between demonstrators and agents, and accusations of excessive force.

President Trump described ICE's work as "phenomenal" but suggested agents might eventually leave; Democrats in Congress vow to block or oppose related Homeland Security funding bills.

Former President Bill Clinton issued a strong condemnation of the "horrible scenes" in the city. Tensions are high, with federal-state blame-shifting and calls for investigations.

Sports

Super Bowl 60 Set: New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks RematchThe biggest story right now is the matchup for Super Bowl LX (60) on February 8. It's a rematch of the famous 2015 Super Bowl (Patriots won on the "tuck rule" era drama, but this is the first time these two teams have met in the big game since then—over a decade ago).

• Seattle Seahawks advanced by defeating the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in a thrilling, high-scoring NFC Championship Game. QB Sam Darnold led the comeback effort, earning praise for proving doubters wrong and even triggering a performance bonus for reaching the Super Bowl. The game was described as a "barnburner" with late drama.
• New England Patriots reached their record 12th Super Bowl appearance by winning in snowy conditions against the Denver Broncos. Coach Mike Vrabel emphasized the team's turnaround rooted in "belief and identity," while rookie QB Drake Maye and Vrabel made history in the victory. A Patriots DT called out haters post-game.
• Storylines include: Patriots chasing to surpass the Steelers' Lombardi haul record; rarity of this matchup (not seen in over 20 years for these franchises); fallout from other playoff losses (e.g., Bills owner taking shots at a fired coach); and initial Super Bowl odds favoring one side slightly.

This rematch is generating massive buzz.