Good Morning! Let's Check the Pulse for Thursday, Feb 5

 

Radio Broadcasting

Appeals court lifts restrictions on Nielsen in Cumulus antitrust dispute:  The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has granted Nielsen a stay (temporary pause) on a lower court's preliminary injunction. This allows Nielsen to continue its "Network Policy" of linking national radio ratings access to local market purchases while the appeal proceeds. The original December 2025 injunction from a New York federal judge had blocked the policy, citing likely antitrust violations through coercive bundling. Nielsen recently escalated by countersuing Cumulus, alleging the broadcaster secretly shared Nielsen's proprietary ratings data with rival Eastlan Ratings (described as Nielsen's "crown jewels") in bad faith during contract negotiations. This ongoing battle underscores tensions in radio ratings methodology, pricing, and competition between measurement providers.

Spotify reaches major daily listening milestone: Edison Research's latest Share of Ear study (based on Q4 2025 data) shows Spotify now reaches 25% of Americans aged 13+ on a typical day, marking a significant milestone in audio consumption. This represents a 317% increase in daily usage since 2015, positioning Spotify as the second-most popular streaming audio brand behind YouTube's offerings. The growth occurs amid a highly competitive landscape, pressuring traditional radio by capturing more share of daily ear time—especially as streaming continues to erode radio's dominance in music and on-demand listening. Radio remains strong in spoken-word and local content, but these figures highlight accelerating shifts toward digital platforms.

Media Industry:

Savannah Guthrie releases emotional video plea for missing mother:  "Today" show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, joined by siblings Annie and Camron, posted a heartfelt video on Instagram on February 4, 2026, pleading for the safe return of their 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who was reported missing from her Tucson, Arizona home after an apparent abduction over the weekend. In the video, the family addresses potential captors, acknowledges reports of a ransom note (possibly demanding Bitcoin), and stresses the need for undeniable proof that Nancy is alive due to concerns over manipulated media and her health issues (including a pacemaker and lack of medication). 

President Trump pivots on Netflix-WBD deal, says he'll stay out:  In interviews with NBC News and others, President Donald Trump reversed his earlier stance, stating he will not intervene in the high-stakes battle over Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). He previously suggested involvement in reviewing Netflix's proposed acquisition of WBD's streaming and studio assets (valued at around $82.7 billion in enterprise value, recently amended to all-cash). Trump now says the Justice Department will handle any antitrust or regulatory scrutiny, despite being contacted by both sides.

Warner Bros. Discovery continues navigating the Netflix-Paramount Skydance rivalry: WBD has filed preliminary proxy materials to accelerate a shareholder vote on the Netflix deal (potentially by April 2026), while Paramount has extended its hostile tender offer deadline to February 20 and is soliciting votes against the Netflix agreement. If shareholders reject Netflix, Paramount could push for board changes. The saga underscores massive consolidation pressures in media, with concerns over market dominance, content control, and antitrust hurdles in streaming, studios (including HBO, DC, Warner Bros. Pictures), and linear networks (set for spin-off as Discovery Global).

U.S. News

US-Ukraine-Russia peace talks enter second day in UAE amid ongoing strikes:  Trilateral negotiations involving U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian representatives resumed in Abu Dhabi on February 5, following what White House officials described as a "productive" first day. Discussions continue despite fresh Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. This marks a significant diplomatic push under the Trump administration to broker an end to the nearly four-year conflict, with potential implications for U.S. foreign aid, NATO alliances, and global energy markets.
Savannah Guthrie's emotional video plea for missing mother Nancy Guthrie

Trump administration pushes critical minerals trading bloc to counter China:  The administration announced plans for an allied trading bloc on critical minerals (essential for EVs, weapons, tech), using tariffs to secure supply chains and counter China's dominance. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted this at a meeting with officials from dozens of nations, amid recent Chinese restrictions tied to U.S. tariffs. This reflects escalating U.S.-China economic tensions with broad impacts on manufacturing, defense, and green energy.

Winter Olympics 2026 underway in Milan-Cortina, with U.S. leading athlete contingent:  The 2026 Winter Games continue, with Team USA fielding its largest-ever Winter Olympics delegation (232 athletes). Coverage focuses on events like curling (U.S. medal hopes starting), hockey, and more, amid live updates from venues. This serves as a major national pride/story amid global events.