Good Morning! Let's Check the Pulse For Wednesday, Feb 4

Radio Broadcasting

Rob Kendall Exits 93.1 WIBC-FM (Indianapolis): Longtime conservative talk host Rob Kendall has officially departed News/Talk 93.1 WIBC-FM after a prolonged contract dispute with owner Urban One (formerly Radio One). Kendall, co-host of the popular midday "Kendall & Casey" show (with Casey Daniels), had been off the air since mid-January 2026 following the expiration of his contract in October 2025. Negotiations stalled, leading to him being told not to return to the studio around January 19. 

Q99.7 FM (WWWQ Atlanta) Morning Show Ratings Challenges: Cumulus Media's CHR station Q99.7 in Atlanta has faced ongoing ratings pressures in recent surveys, including drops or stagnation in key demographics following major programming changes. The station underwent a significant revamp after parting ways with the long-running "Bert Show" in late 2024/early 2025, including new afternoon programming like "The Kristin Show" (launched January 26, 2026) and updates to its daily lineup and branding. 

Positive Reception to Craig Carton's Return:  Sports talk powerhouse WFAN (Audacy) is seeing strong early feedback and metrics following the high-profile return of Craig Carton to afternoon drive (2-7 p.m. weekdays) on "The Carton Show" with co-host Chris McMonigle. The change took effect in early January 2026 as part of a larger lineup revamp (including new midday "Evan & Tiki" with Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber). Audacy New York market president Chris Oliviero expressed being "thrilled" with the show's performance one month in, citing engaging content and audience metrics. 

Media News

Disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's Mother:  The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC's "Today" show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, continues into its fourth day as a major crime investigation. Authorities from the Pima County Sheriff's Department in Arizona believe she was taken against her will (possible kidnapping or abduction) from her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson late Saturday night or early Sunday morning (January 31/February 1). Key developments include: Signs of forced entry at the home, which is now a crime scene and reports of blood found inside the residence.

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos Testifies on Capitol Hill: Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos appeared before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights on February 3, 2026, to defend the company's proposed blockbuster acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (including HBO, HBO Max, DC Studios, and the Warner Bros. studio) in a deal valued around $72–83 billion (reports vary slightly). Lawmakers from both parties grilled him on potential impacts: market dominance in streaming, effects on consumer prices, jobs/production, independent creative teams, and the future of theatrical cinema vs. streaming.

ABC News Exclusive Interview with Disney's Leadership Transition: "World News Tonight" with David Muir talked with outgoing Disney CEO Bob Iger and incoming CEO Josh D'Amaro. This came hours after Disney announced D'Amaro (current chair of Disney Experiences, overseeing parks/resorts) as the new CEO effective March 18, 2026, with Iger stepping to an advisory role after nearly two decades. Dana Walden was named President and Chief Creative Officer. The wide-ranging interview covered Disney's future, including streaming strategy, embracing AI, balancing legacy with innovation, parks experiences, and the smooth handoff. D'Amaro expressed readiness for the challenge, praising Iger's leadership.

News Stories

Government Shutdown Ends:  President Trump signed legislation late Tuesday to end a brief partial government shutdown (lasting a few days), funding most federal operations (including DHS) through next week while kicking off tough negotiations on ICE/immigration funding. The House passed it narrowly (217-214), with Trump and Speaker Johnson pressuring conservatives. This averts immediate chaos but sets up potential future brinkmanship, covered heavily by NYT, CNN, and others.

Escalating U.S.-China Trade Tensions and Broader International Developments: China retaliated against new U.S. tariffs with its own penalties on American goods (set to take effect soon), heightening risks of a full trade war. This follows Trump's aggressive "America First" moves. Separately, the New START nuclear arms treaty with Russia expired without extension, opening doors to an arms race amid global instability. Other notes include U.S. naval adjustments in the Middle East (partial pullback of USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group) as Iran nuclear talks loom, plus Trump's calls to "nationalize" elections and push for state voter data ahead of midterms.