Radio History: Mar 1

➦In 1893...Nikola Tesla gave the first public demonstration of radio in St. Louis, although he had presented his work prior to this behind closed doors. Tesla first demonstrated wireless transmissions during a lecture in 1891. Just days before the St. Louis presentation, Tesla addressed the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, on February 23, 1893, describing in detail the principles of early radio communication.

Nikola Tesla

Tesla presented the fundamentals of radio in 1893 during his public presentation, "On Light and Other High Frequency Phenomena." Afterward, the principle of radio communication--sending signals through space to receivers--was widely publicized from Tesla's experiments and demonstrations.

Even before the development of the vacuum tube, Tesla’s descriptions contained all the elements that were later incorporated into radio systems. He initially experimented with magnetic receivers, unlike the coherers (detecting devices consisting of tubes filled with iron filings which had been invented by Temistocle Calzecchi-Onesti in 1884) used by Guglielmo Marconi and other early experimenters.

Radio offers another example of Tesla’s work receiving minimal or no long-term public acknowledgement. While Marconi is often credited with inventing the radio, this presentation by Tesla was recalled in courts several years later in invalidating Marconi patents.

Indeed, it, among other facts, pushed the United States Supreme Court in the 1943 case of Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America vs. the United States to state that "it is now held that in the important advance upon his basic patent Marconi did nothing that had not already been seen and disclosed."

To be true, what Tesla demonstrated had more scientific interest than practical use, but he believed that by taking the “Tesla oscillator,” grounding one side of it, and connecting the other to an insulated body of a large surface, it would be possible to transmit electric oscillations a great distance and to communicate intelligence in this way to other oscillators.

In 1898 at the Electrical Exhibition in New York, Tesla would successfully demonstrate a radio-controlled boat. For that work, he was awarded US patent No. 613,809 for a "Method of and Apparatus for Controlling Mechanism of Moving Vessels or Vehicles." Between 1895 and 1897, Tesla received wireless signals transmitted via short distances in his lectures. He transmitted over medium ranges during presentations made between 1897 and 1910.

➦In 1904...Alton Glenn Miller, the man whose name is synonymous with the big band era of the 1940’s, was born in Clarinda, Iowa (Died:  December 15, 1944 at age 40).

He was the best-selling recording artist from 1939 to 1943, leading one of the best-known big bands. Miller's recordings include "In the Mood", "Moonlight Serenade", "Pennsylvania 6-5000", "Chattanooga Choo Choo", "A String of Pearls", "At Last", "(I've Got a Gal In) Kalamazoo", "American Patrol", "Tuxedo Junction", "Elmer's Tune", and "Little Brown Jug".

In just four years Glenn Miller scored 16 number-one records and 69 top ten hits—more than Elvis Presley (38 top 10s) and the Beatles (33 top 10s) did in their careers. While he was traveling to entertain U.S. troops in France during World War II, Miller's aircraft disappeared in bad weather over the English Channel.

➦In 1914...Sportscaster Harry Caray born (real name Harry Christopher Carabina..died from a heart attack just shy of his 84th birthday February 18, 1998). He covered five Major League Baseball teams, beginning with 25 years of calling the games of the St. Louis Cardinals with two of these years also spent calling games for the St. Louis Browns.

After a year working for the Oakland Athletics and eleven years with the Chicago White Sox, Caray spent the last sixteen years of his career as the announcer for the Chicago Cubs.

Caray caught his break when he landed the job with the Cardinals in 1945 and, according to several histories of the franchise, proved as expert at selling the sponsor's beer as he'd been in selling the Cardinals on KMOX.

In 1982 he began 15 years of calling the Cubs games on superstation WGN which won him a national following.

➦In 1928...KGFJ Los Angles went on-air 1926. And on this date it became the first radio station in the United States to adopt a 24-hour broadcast schedule. Today, the station is known as KYPA 1230 AM and airs Korean-language programming.

➦In 1932...radio’s first great effort of on-the-spot news coverage began as NBC and CBS radio rushed to Hopewell, NJ to cover the kidnapping of the Charles and Anne Lindbergh baby.

➦In 1932...one of daytime radio’s comedic gems Easy Aces written by and starring Goodman Ace with his ditzy wife Jane, moved from local Chicago exposure to the full CBS network, three times a week. It would delight audiences on that schedule for much of the next 15 years.

➦In 1937..This ad appeared in Broadcasting magazine...

KOY was the first radio station in the state of Arizona, signing on in 1921 as Amateur Radio station 6BBH on 360 meters (833 kHz). Earl Nielsen was the holder of the 6BBH call sign (there were no country prefixes for hams prior to 1928). At that time, broadcasting by ham radio operators was legal.

In 1922, the station received its broadcast license, under the Nielsen Radio & Sporting Goods Company business name, with the callsign KFCB. While the KFCB call letters were sequentially assigned, the station adopted the slogan "Kind Friends Come Back" to match the callsign.

A Phoenix teenager and radio enthusiast named Barry Goldwater was one of the new station's first employees.

When the AM broadcast band was opened in 1923 by the Department of Commerce, KFCB moved around the dial, as did many stations at the time. It was on 1260, 1230, 1310, and 1390 before moving to its long-time home of 550 kHz in 1940. KFCB became KOY on February 8, 1929.

From 1932 to 1949, KOY was the CBS Radio Network affiliate for the Phoenix area.

In 1936, Earl Nielsen sold KOY to Prairie Farmer, dba Salt River Valley Broadcasting Company. He remained Station Manager for a couple of years. Prairie Farmer was the owner of WLS radio in Chicago at the time.

➦In 1941...The National Life and Accident Insurance Company, owners of WSM-AM , became the first commercial broadcaster in the U.S. to receive an FM license from the FCC in 1941. Originally known as W47NV, the station operated for about 10 years, until NL&AI realized that few area households had FM radio receivers and that its commercial potential was lacking. NL&AI shut down WSM-FM in 1951 and returned the license to the FCC.

Fox News, CNN: Report 'Epic Fury'

U.S. and Israeli forces launched massive joint airstrikes on Iran on Saturday, in Operation Epic

Fury, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with dozens of top regime officials, according to Israeli sources and confirmation from President Donald Trump. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases in the Gulf and targets in Israel, amid reports of over 200 deaths in Iran and warnings of further escalation.

Fox News and CNN provided intensive, real-time coverage of the unfolding crisis, with live updates, videos, maps, and expert analysis dominating their platforms.

Fox News framed the strikes as a decisive, historic success against a "militant terror regime," emphasizing military achievements such as the elimination of Khamenei (described as ending decades of anti-American rule and proxy warfare), degradation of Iran's missile defenses, and over 500 targets hit. Headlines and reporting celebrated the operation's effectiveness, highlighted Trump's direct oversight and regime-change messaging (including calls for Iranians to seize freedom), and portrayed Iranian retaliation negatively while featuring condemnations from Gulf states. Domestic critics, such as progressive Democrats questioning congressional authorization, received skeptical treatment. The overall tone was triumphant, hawkish, patriotic, and aligned with U.S.-Israeli perspectives, presenting the action as justified prevention of threats.

CNN reported the core facts similarly but adopted a more measured, neutral approach, focusing on verified developments like satellite imagery of damage in Tehran, casualty figures from Iranian sources, and initial Iranian claims (later contradicted) that leaders were safe. Coverage included visual elements such as strike maps, photo galleries of explosions, and analysis of risks—including potential wider war, legal questions about war powers and bypassing Congress, and international reactions ranging from Netanyahu's regime-toppling appeals to condemnations elsewhere. Expert commentary noted Iranian strategic errors but avoided endorsement, emphasizing procedural scrutiny and long-term implications. The tone remained cautious, fact-driven, and balanced, incorporating multiple viewpoints without cheerleading.

Both networks offered comprehensive, urgent reporting on this high-stakes event, reflecting their established editorial differences: Fox News with heavier emphasis on tactical victories and supportive framing, and CNN with greater inclusion of counterpoints, visuals, and risk assessment. Coverage continues to evolve amid ongoing retaliation and potential further strikes.

Cable News Goes Wall-To-Wall With Coverage

Major news coverage focused Saturday intensely on the joint U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran, which began early that day (around 1 a.m. local time in Iran, or overnight into Saturday morning U.S. time). 

This marked a dramatic escalation, with outlets describing it as one of the most significant military operations in the region in recent years.

Major Western media like The New York Times, The Washington Post, PBS, NBC News, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal ran live updates throughout the day, providing real-time developments, maps of strike locations, videos of explosions in Tehran and other cities, and statements from leaders. 

Coverage emphasized:

🔎The scale: Coordinated airstrikes (including hundreds of Israeli fighter jets and U.S. support) targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, missile sites, air defenses, Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) command centers, military airfields, and leadership compounds across cities like Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. Operations were codenamed "Roaring Lion" (Israel) and "Epic Fury" (U.S.).
🔎Key claims: U.S. President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" via video and Truth Social, stating goals included eliminating Iran's nuclear and missile programs, destroying its navy, and regime change. Both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Iranians to rise up and "take over your government." Trump later declared that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in an Israeli strike on his Tehran compound, with Israeli officials citing intelligence; however, Iranian state media denied this, insisting he was alive and in command (creating a major point of contention and uncertainty in reporting).
🔎Casualties and impact: Iranian sources reported over 200 deaths and hundreds injured early on, with strikes hitting military sites but also raising concerns about civilian areas (e.g., one report mentioned an unconfirmed school strike in southern Iran killing children). No U.S. casualties were initially reported from Iran's retaliation.

Iran's response dominated much of the afternoon/evening coverage: Iran launched retaliatory barrages of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel and U.S. military bases in the region (including in Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, and possibly Saudi Arabia). This led to air raid sirens across Israel, airspace closures in multiple countries, and fears of broader escalation.

International reactions were swift and widely covered:  

• The UN Security Council held an emergency session condemning the strikes.
• Al Jazeera provided extensive live blogging with perspectives from Iran, the region, and global responses, noting condemnations from some nations and calls for de-escalation.
• Outlets like Reuters, BBC, NPR, and The Guardian highlighted planning (months in advance, per Israeli sources) following failed nuclear talks in Geneva, and the strikes' aim to decapitate leadership and degrade capabilities.

Social media (especially X) amplified the news rapidly, with users sharing unverified videos of explosions, celebratory posts from some (e.g., Iranians hoping for regime change), and debates over Khamenei's fate. Conspiracy theories also circulated, but mainstream coverage stuck to official statements and verified reports.

Overall, the day's reporting portrayed this as a high-stakes, regime-change-oriented operation with immediate regional fallout, ongoing strikes promised by Trump "as long as necessary," and the world bracing for potential further retaliation or escalation. Coverage remained fluid and updating into the evening of February 28.

PSKY, WBD Sign Merger Deal

Paramount Skydance has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) in a deal valued at over $110 billion, including debt, creating one of the largest media mergers in recent history.

The all-cash transaction values WBD at $31 per share (roughly $77-81 billion in equity value), encompassing the Warner Bros. film studio, HBO Max streaming platform, CNN, and other cable networks. The boards of both companies unanimously approved the deal on February 27, 2026, with a shareholder vote expected in early spring 2026 and closing anticipated in the third quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

The agreement ends a intense bidding war, as Netflix withdrew its prior offer just a day earlier after declining to match Paramount Skydance's superior bid. Paramount Skydance raised its offer from $30 to $31 per share on Thursday, February 26, and includes a $7 billion reverse termination fee if regulators block the deal. If closing is delayed past September 30, 2026, WBD shareholders receive a $0.25 per share ticking fee per quarter.

The combined entity would unite iconic Hollywood studios and vast IP libraries—from Paramount's "The Godfather" and SpongeBob SquarePants to Warner Bros.' "Casablanca" and Batman—along with complementary streaming services (Paramount+ and Max) and networks including CBS and CNN. Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison (son of billionaire Larry Ellison), described the merger as creating greater value for audiences, partners, and shareholders through enhanced storytelling and talent opportunities.

The deal faces scrutiny from regulators and some Democrats in Congress, amid concerns over media consolidation.

PSKY Pays Netflix $2.8B In Break-Up Fees

Paramount Skydance has paid Netflix a $2.8 billion breakup fee, officially ending Netflix's planned acquisition deal with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and clearing the path for Paramount's superior bid to acquire WBD.

Netflix disclosed the payment in an SEC filing on Friday. The fee was transferred by Paramount Skydance (PSKY) on behalf of WBD as required under the terms of the terminated merger agreement between Netflix and WBD.

This development follows a heated bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery's assets. Netflix had an existing merger agreement with WBD, but Paramount Skydance submitted a revised all-cash offer valued at $31 per share, which WBD's board deemed a "Company Superior Proposal." 

To facilitate the switch, Paramount agreed to cover the $2.8 billion termination fee that WBD would have owed Netflix upon breaking the deal.

CNN: A Suddenly Uncertain Future

Netflix's stunning withdrawal Thursday from its bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery has cleared the path for Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison, to take control of the media giant—including its 24-hour news channel CNN.

The shift has sparked anxiety in CNN's newsroom over potential threats to editorial independence under Ellison, a technology heir who recently revamped CBS News by appointing conservative figures and opinion journalists to key roles.

CNN CEO Mark Thompson addressed staff concerns Friday on an editorial call, urging calm: “The business, rather British, of keeping calm and carrying on is actually probably the most sensible thing for us all to do.”

Reporters and producers fear that a Paramount acquisition could compromise CNN's prized independence, especially given Ellison's friendly ties to President Trump—who has long accused CNN of bias—and his history of influencing news operations.

When Ellison acquired Paramount last year, the Trump administration approved the deal after Paramount settled a lawsuit against 60 Minutes for $16 million. Ellison attended Trump's State of the Union as Senator Lindsey Graham's guest this week.

ESPN's Chris Berman Unveils Plans for Retirement

Legendary ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman plans to retire after the 2029 NFL season, concluding a remarkable 50-year career with the network.

The 70-year-old personality, affectionately known as "Boomer," made the announcement during a recent interview on the CNBC Sport podcast with host Alex Sherman. Berman, who joined ESPN just one month after its launch in September 1979, said he is currently semi-retired but intends to fulfill his existing contract through the end of the 2029 football season—at which point he will be nearly 75.

"I'll be almost 75, I think the nation's more than had enough of me," Berman quipped. "I'm semi-retired now. I'm just so proud of where we've been ... from Day 1 to getting a Super Bowl."

Buffalo Toronto Public Media to Realign 88.7 FM and 94.5 FM

Buffalo Toronto Public Media has announced it will move programming currently heard on 88.7 FM and 94.5 FM to better align programming and audience with BTPM’s frequencies. The realignment follows the recent conversion of 94.5 FM to an advertising-eligible license and is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the organization’s long-term financial sustainability after the loss of $2.2 million in annual federal funding.

The switch could happen as soon as May, but the date has not yet been determined.

“The federal funding cut put us in a difficult position,” said Tom Calderone, President & CEO of Buffalo Toronto Public Media. “But we are using this moment to think creatively — as we always have — about how we serve our community while protecting BTPM’s essential services. We still have details to finalize before the switch launches. However, we know how much our audiences value the stations they have listened to for decades, and we didn’t want to wait to share what’s ahead.”

Under the new alignment:

• BTPM Classical will move to 88.7 FM and continue operating under a sponsor-supported license. Because NPR will not allow its programming on an advertising-eligible station, Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me will be broadcast on 88.7. BTPM Classical will be available without those flagship NPR programs on an HD station, 89.7 WNJA in Jamestown, and on the BTPM Classical stream.
• BTPM NPR will be available on the BTPM NPR stream as well as on an HD station, 91.3 WOLN in Olean, and 88.1 WUBJ in Jamestown. Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me and other familiar programming will be available on the station. It will no longer broadcast BTPM The Bridge or Friday Night Lights high school sports games.
• 94.5 FM will become a reimagined, full-service station featuring local, national, and international news, public affairs, entertainment, sports, and music, supported by members and an advertising-eligible license. The as-yet-named station will also have a dedicated streaming option.
• BTPM The Bridge will retain its programming and format but will be on an HD station and will simulcast in the evening on 94.5 FM instead of 88.7 FM.

Because NPR does not allow its programming on advertising-eligible licenses, NPR content cannot be broadcast on 94.5 FM. This creates a significant benefit for listeners who prefer a largely talk-focused, 24/7 news and information service, uninterrupted by music or high school sports. The shift allows for a more purist NPR experience on BTPM NPR.

$34.5 Billion Charter-Cox Merger Passes FCC

The FCC has approved Charter Communications' $34.5 billion acquisition of Cox Communications, creating one of the largest cable and broadband providers in the United States.

The deal, first announced in May 2025, combines Charter (known for its Spectrum brand) with Cox's residential broadband, video, mobile, voice, advertising, and enterprise operations. The merged company will operate under the Cox name but retain the Spectrum brand for consumer services, surpassing competitors to become the nation's largest residential internet service provider with tens of millions of subscribers and broad coverage across dozens of states.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr hailed the approval as delivering major benefits for Americans. In a statement, Carr emphasized that the transaction will expand connectivity and economic opportunities in rural America through increased infrastructure investment, keep jobs based in the United States, provide customers with access to lower-priced plans, and include safeguards against what he described as “DEI discrimination” — referring to protections and commitments related to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies that the agency framed as preventing discriminatory practices.

R.I.P.: Neil Sedaka, Rock & Roll Legend

Neil Sedaka (1939-2026)

Neil Sedaka, the beloved singer-songwriter whose catchy pop hits like "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do," "Calendar Girl," "Laughter in the Rain," and "Oh! Carol" defined eras of rock 'n' roll and soft rock, died Friday at age 86 in Los Angeles.

He was hospitalized earlier that day after an undisclosed medical emergency and passed away shortly after, according to family statements and reports. No cause of death has been released.

"Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka," his family said in a statement. 

"A true rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions, but most importantly, at least to those of us who were lucky enough to know him, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed."

A Juilliard-trained pianist born in Brooklyn on March 13, 1939, Sedaka rose to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s as part of the Brill Building songwriting scene. He co-wrote and performed teen-oriented classics with lyricist Howard Greenfield, including "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen," "Stupid Cupid" (a hit for Connie Francis), and "Where the Boys Are." 

His boyish soprano voice and upbeat melodies captured the innocent spirit of pre-Beatles pop.After a career lull in the late 1960s, Sedaka staged a triumphant 1970s comeback with solo smashes like the No. 1 "Laughter in the Rain" and "Bad Blood," plus the Grammy-winning Captain & Tennille cover of his "Love Will Keep Us Together"—which famously ended with Toni Tennille's ad-lib "Sedaka is back!"

Sedaka's songs sold millions, were covered by artists from Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra to modern acts, and earned him enduring acclaim. He remained a tireless performer, playing dozens of concerts annually into his 80s, crediting his preserved vocal range and passion for the stage.

Short, dark-haired, and ever-smiling, the Brooklyn native from a Jewish family credited music with overcoming childhood challenges. A second-grade teacher spotted his talent, leading his mother to buy a used piano. He co-founded doo-wop group The Tokens early on and never stopped writing or performing, once telling interviewers the adrenaline of live audiences was an addictive "natural high."

Sedaka's legacy endures through timeless hits that bridged generations and his role as a prolific craftsman of American pop.

Radio History: Feb 28

➦In 1922...KHQ-AM, Spokane, Washington, signed-on in Seattle. Louis Wasmer founded the pioneer radio station as part of a motorcyle shop he owned. He later re-established the station in Spokane in 1925.

Although the KHQ calls are no longer used on the AM band, they still exist on TV.

The long time frequency of 590 kHz which KHQ used until 1985 is now occupied by KQNT.

The picture to the right is a view of the KHQ's tower on top of the Davenport Building probably from the 1940's based on the age of the automobiles pictured. KHQ was not using the tower at this time.

The KHQ and KGA signs are attached to the Radio Central Building which was being used by those station at that time.

➦In 1966...This is the 60th anniversary of KFRC 610 AM San Francisco flipping from MOR to Top 40.

In 1949, RKO-General acquired KFRC. Like most radio stations during the 1950s, KFRC lost ratings and share to television. In February 1966, KFRC flipped to a Top 40 rock and roll music format, and quickly became the dominant station in the region with that format through the 1970s, featuring the tight, carefully programmed sound developed by RKO General's national program director, Bill Drake, formerly of cross-town rival KYA, and program directors Tom Rounds and, later, Les Turpin.

It entered its second "golden era," which coincided with San Francisco’s Summer of Love, and featured legendary disc jockeys Mike Phillips, Ed Mitchell (Who later changed his name to Ed Hepp) , Bobby Dale, Jay Stevens, Sebastian Stone, K.O. Bayley (real name Bob Elliott), Dave Diamond, Charlie Van Dyke, Howard Clark, Dale Dorman, Mark Elliott, Frank Terry, Joe Conrad, Jim Carson, J.J. Johnson, and Bob Foster.

610 KFRC Fan · 50th Anniversary celebration to The Big 610, The Amazing AM - 610 KFRC Jingles

During the Drake era, KFRC was responsible for two memorable concerts.

\The station presented several prominent acts at the “The Beach Boys Summer Spectacular” at the Cow Palace in San Francisco in June 1966. On June 10 and 11, 1967, KFRC organized and hosted the Fantasy Fair and Magic Mountain Music Festival at the summit of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, California. Occurring one week before the more famous Monterey Pop Festival, the well-attended event is regarded as the first rock festival in history.

For several years, KFRC had extended local newscasts on its AM station, under the leadership of news director Bob Safford; however, management decided to curtail news coverage, so Safford and other news staff moved to other news broadcast departments in San Francisco, including KCBS Radio and KGO-TV.

➦In 1969...WABC 95.5 FM started the  “Love” format.  The station originally went on the air on May 4, 1948 under the call sign WJZ-FM  and in March 1953, the station's call letters were changed to WABC-FM following the merger of the American Broadcasting Company with United Paramount Theatres.

As most FM stations did during the medium's formative years, 95.5 FM simulcast the programming of its AM sister station.

In the early 1960s, however, WABC-FM began to program itself separately from 77 WABC-AM. During the 1962–63 New York City newspaper strike, the station carried an news format for 17 hours daily. Two-and-a-half years before WINS launched its own around-the-clock, all-news format in April 1965, it was the first attempt at an all-news format in the New York market.

R.I.P.: KLOS-FM Host Uncle Joe Benson, Legendary LA Voice

Uncle Joe Benson (1949-2026)

Legendary Los Angeles rock radio personality Uncle Joe Benson has died at age 76.

Benson, renowned for his deep, resonant voice and encyclopedic knowledge of classic rock, passed away peacefully Tuesday from Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson’s dementia, and complications from a fall, according to a family announcement on his Uncle Joe’s Garage Facebook page.

His nearly six-decade career in radio made him a beloved figure in Southern California, where he became synonymous with heritage rock stations. Benson joined KLOS-FM (95.5) in 1980 and spent more than 30 years there as a key personality, hosting shifts and connecting deeply with listeners through his passion for rock 'n' roll. He also worked at stations including the former Arrow 93.1 (KCBS-FM), KLSX, and 100.3 The Sound (KSWD), where he handled midday and other drives until the station's format change in 2017. 

Uncle Joe Benson

Later, he hosted the syndicated "Ultimate Classic Rock" program for Townsquare Media, reaching audiences nationwide and online.

Beyond broadcasting, Benson served for more than 20 years as the track announcer at California Speedway (now Auto Club Speedway), blending his love for rock with motorsports. He authored the "Uncle Joe’s Record Guides" series and produced the syndicated "Off the Record" interview program and "Uncle Joe’s Garage" podcasts, documenting rock history and artists.

The announcement of his death drew an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans, and the radio community.  “A radio legend silenced,” posted longtime KLOS and The Sound colleague Rita Wilde. “Nothing but love and respect. At least you aren’t in pain anymore. Love you forever, JB.”

“What a legend,” wrote former KLOS morning host Frosty Stillwell. “A giant in radio, a life well lived.”

Benson is survived by his wife, Jan, and sons Jay and Jeremy. His family noted that he donated his brain to the Brain Donor Project to advance research into neurological disorders. In lieu of flowers, donations were requested to the Brain Donor Project or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research.

Staffers Panic: CNN Expected To Join The CBS News Portfolio

The potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance has advanced significantly, with Netflix withdrawing its competing bid on Thursday, clearing the path for Paramount to potentially take control of CNN alongside its existing CBS News operations. This development has sparked immediate concerns among media watchdogs about concentrated ownership and potential shifts in editorial direction.

If the transaction ultimately closes, Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison, would add CNN to a portfolio that already includes CBS News, creating a combined entity controlling two major cable news networks. Media advocacy groups have raised alarms over this consolidation, particularly given recent changes at CBS News under Ellison's ownership.

The surprising turnaround paves the way for David Ellison—CEO of Paramount Skydance and a vocal Trump ally—to take the reins of WBD's vast media empire. This encompasses Warner Bros. Pictures, Max (formerly HBO Max), and a wide array of cable channels, with CNN standing out as the most prominent.  The acquisition virtually ensures deep cost-cutting and widespread layoffs throughout the combined company. At CNN in particular, staffers were thrown into a frenzy, suddenly facing the very real possibility of reporting to Bari Weiss—now a key figure at Paramount-owned CBS News—by year's end.

Craig Aaron, co-CEO of the media advocacy organization Free Press, strongly criticized the prospect, stating: “The idea that Paramount should be allowed to control CBS and CNN should be unthinkable.” He added that the new owner had promised President Trump they would “make sweeping changes to CNN given the chance, and we know what that means.” 

A Paramount spokeswoman did not immediately respond to Aaron’s comments.

Since taking over Paramount, Ellison has revamped CBS News by installing Bari Weiss—the provocative founder of the digital news and opinion outlet The Free Press—as editor in chief. Ellison has publicly stated he wants CBS News “to speak to that 70% of the audience that would really define themselves at center-left to center-right.”

In response to the unfolding situation, CNN President Mark Thompson addressed staff in a memo, urging restraint: “Don’t jump to conclusions until we know more.” Thompson emphasized focusing on delivering strong journalism amid the uncertainty.

The deal remains subject to shareholder approval (including a planned Warner Bros. Discovery vote in March) and regulatory review, meaning the outcome—and any potential impact on CNN—is not yet finalized.

Talk Radio Gets A Wake-Up Call

Podcasts have officially surpassed AM/FM talk radio as the leading medium for spoken-word audio in the United States for the first time, according to Edison Research's Share of Ear survey for Q4 2025.

Podcasts now account for 40% of time spent on spoken-word listening among Americans aged 13+, narrowly edging out AM/FM radio at 39%. 

This marks a historic shift: a decade ago in 2015, radio dominated with 75% of spoken-word time, while podcasts held just 10%. Over the years, podcast listening has steadily risen while radio's share has declined.

The data includes video podcasts, which are increasingly prominent on platforms like Spotify and YouTube. Video's rise doesn't appear to undermine audio-only consumption—most listeners engage with both formats.

According to Triton Digital’s 2025 U.S. Podcast Report, 80% of U.S. consumers aged 18+ consume both audio and video podcasts, 13% listen to audio only, and 7% watch video only. 

Genre preferences drive differences: music, sports, comedy, and news often skew toward video, while science, history, art, fiction, and true crime remain predominantly audio.

Edison's research aligns, showing 85% of weekly U.S. podcast listeners aged 13+ consume podcasts with some video component (up 7% from 2023). The U.S. has an estimated 115 million weekly podcast listeners, with only 5% reporting they watch but don't listen.

WaPo Lost Another $100M+ Last Year

The Washington Post lost more than $100 million in 2025, continuing a streak of heavy financial losses that prompted the newspaper to cut about 30% of its staff earlier this month.

The Post had already posted roughly $100 million in losses in 2024 and $77 million in 2023. 

These mounting deficits stem from years of expenses outpacing revenue, particularly after aggressive hiring in prior years.

In their first major staff meeting since the layoffs, acting CEO and Publisher Jeff D’Onofrio and Executive Editor Matt Murray addressed the newsroom on Wednesday. D’Onofrio highlighted that newsroom costs rose 16% from 2020 to 2025, while the number of stories published dropped 42% over the same period. He attributed ongoing overspending to earlier staff expansions but did not specify exact loss figures during the meeting.

Murray, who became executive editor in June 2024 after serving as Wall Street Journal editor in chief, acknowledged the "painfulness of the moment" from the cuts. He reset expectations by stating the Post no longer aims to cover every story or act as a traditional "paper of record," as that model no longer fits today's media landscape. Instead, he emphasized focusing on distinctive, urgent, must-read journalism "with every chance we have."

D’Onofrio, who assumed his interim role earlier this month following the departure of previous publisher and CEO Will Lewis, indicated a broader strategic plan is in development. He urged staff to "bear with me" as it takes time and care, adding, "We’re going to go after it hard, because we owe it to this place to do that."

The Post, long renowned for its investigative work on the Watergate scandal and the Pentagon Papers, has struggled with declining web traffic and shifts in how audiences consume news online, making a sustainable business model elusive.

Why MLB 2026 Is a Prime Play for Radio

As the 2026 Major League Baseball season gets set to kick off earlier than ever on March 25, 2026, new research from Katz Radio Group reveals that baseball fans are more engaged, multi-channel, and advertiser-ready than many marketers realize.

Katz' latest study, conducted among 600 U.S. adults who consume MLB content, digs deeper into how fans interact with baseball media, and why radio should be top of mind for advertisers this season.

One of the most compelling findings from research: 63% of all MLB baseball fans describe themselves as “Big Fans.”

That number increases to 74% among MLB radio listeners, demonstrating that radio over-indexes among baseball’s most passionate fans. That’s a +17% relative uplift in passionate fandom among radio listeners, giving us evidence that radio doesn’t just reach baseball fans… it reaches the most committed ones.

And radio’s advantage isn’t just about intensity, it’s about scale. According to the latest Scarborough USA study, 85% of Adults 18+ who are interested in MLB listen to radio each week. Additionally, 1 in 5 MLB-interested adults listen to MLB play-by-play on the radio, and that figure climbs to more than 1 in 4 among those very interested in MLB.

In other words, radio delivers both the broad reach advertisers need and the deep fan engagement brands value.

MLB fans today interact with the sport through a diverse array of channels, reflecting the rapidly changing landscape of media consumption. Television remains the primary avenue for fan engagement, with 62.8% of fans reporting that they watched televised MLB games out-of-home at restaurants, bars, or other venues during the season. But baseball fans in our study are listening too.

They were actively engaged across platforms: Strong social media interaction with teams and players emerged.

Podcast and audio consumption around baseball was notable across age groups.

Good Morning! Time To Check The Pulse for Friday, Feb 27

Radio Broadcasting

Podcasts Overtake AM/FM Talk Radio in Popularity for Spoken-Word Audio: A major Edison Research Share of Ear survey shows podcasts have surpassed traditional AM/FM talk radio as the preferred medium for spoken-word content in the U.S. This marks a significant inflection point for the industry, highlighting the ongoing shift to on-demand digital audio. Traditional radio continues to face competition from streaming and podcasts, though it retains strengths in local content and live broadcasting.

Radio Station Deal Market Shows Signs of Rebound and Opportunistic Activity Industry reports indicate radio dealmaking started stronger in 2026, with January filings showing 36 stations sold (more than double the prior year, totaling $15.7 million). Analysts expect more opportunistic buying in the coming months, potentially fueled by economic shifts and pending FCC reviews of ownership limits. This could lead to consolidation if regulatory barriers ease.

FCC Advances on Noncommercial FM Translator Filing Window for 2026: The FCC released updates in mid-to-late February 2026 (including a Public Notice on February 26) seeking comments on proposed limits for the upcoming 2026 filing window for new noncommercial educational (NCE) reserved band FM translators. Key proposals include caps on applications per entity (e.g., up to 10 nationally for most, fewer for LPFM/Tribal applicants) and requirements tying translators to existing primary NCE stations. Comments are due in March, signaling preparations for expanded low-power and translator opportunities in noncommercial radio.

Media Industry

Paramount Skydance wins bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery after Netflix drops out: Netflix declined to match Paramount Skydance's superior offer (reportedly around $31 per share, valuing the deal at roughly $108 billion in some estimates, though figures vary). Warner Bros. Discovery's board accepted Paramount's bid as superior, clearing the path for a major merger that combines Paramount's assets with Warner's studios, HBO/Max streaming, and film/TV libraries. This reshapes Hollywood's landscape, potentially creating a stronger competitor to Netflix and Disney in streaming and content production. Netflix cited the higher price as no longer financially attractive, focusing instead on its own growth.

U-S News

Hillary Clinton Testifies in House Epstein Investigation: Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared for a deposition before a Republican-led House committee probing Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and connections. She denied knowledge of Epstein or his activities, called the hearing "partisan political theater," and expressed confidence that former President Bill Clinton (scheduled to testify next) had no involvement. The probe continues to generate significant attention.

U.S. Military Uses Laser to Down Customs and Border Protection Drone:  Lawmakers reported that the Pentagon employed a laser system to shoot down a CBP drone near El Paso, Texas, prompting the FAA to close additional airspace. Democrats on the House Transportation Committee expressed alarm over the incident and potential risks.

Student Released from ICE Custody After Mamdani-Trump Meeting:  A Columbia student detained by immigration agents was freed following direct intervention by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in talks with President Trump. The university alleged agents used false pretenses to access the student, highlighting ongoing immigration enforcement controversies.

Netflix Pulls Plug, Psky Wins Bidding For WBD

Paramount Skydance has emerged victorious in the bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery, after Netflix declined to match the rival's latest $31-per-share all-cash offer for the entire company.

Warner Bros. Discovery's board determined that Paramount Skydance's revised bid—valuing the company at approximately $81 billion (or more than $110 billion including debt)—was superior to Netflix's prior agreement to acquire its studios, HBO, and streaming assets for $27.75 per share (about $83 billion including debt). 

Netflix promptly walked away, with co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters stating: “We’ve always been disciplined, and at the price required to match Paramount Skydance’s latest offer, the deal is no longer financially attractive, so we are declining to match. This transaction was always a ‘nice to have’ at the right price, not a ‘must have’ at any price.”

Pending regulatory approval, Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison,will gain control of Warner Bros. Discovery's vast portfolio, including Warner Bros. studios, HBO, iconic franchises like Superman and Harry Potter, CNN, TNT, TBS, Food Network, and other cable networks. The merger would create a major Hollywood powerhouse combining two legacy studios, streaming platforms (Paramount+ and Max), and news operations, marking a significant shift in an industry adapting to changing viewer habits and technology.

This represents a stunning come-from-behind win for Paramount Skydance. 

Previously rebuffed by Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount launched unsolicited bids last year and later a hostile takeover approach targeting the full company—including assets Netflix did not want, such as linear cable networks. 

After Skydance acquired control of Paramount last August, pursuing Warner became a top priority to better compete against giants like Disney, Netflix, and Amazon.

Netflix's December deal for Warner's studios and streaming business had erased over $170 billion from its market value since speculation began last September, but its shares jumped about 10% in after-hours trading Thursday after exiting the pursuit.

Paramount's winning bid included sweeteners like a $7 billion regulatory termination fee (if the deal fails due to antitrust issues) and coverage of the $2.8 billion breakup fee Warner would owe Netflix. A daily ticking fee of $0.25 per share per quarter will also accrue after September 30, 2026.

Nexstar Reports Net Loss, Tegna Deal 'On Schedule'

Nexstar Media Group Thursday reported a net loss of $170 million, or $5.63 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2025, swinging from a $229 million profit (or $7.56 per share) in the same period of 2024. The loss stemmed primarily from a $381 million impairment charge on its 31.3% stake in TV Food Network, combined with sharply lower political advertising revenue in a non-election year.

Fourth-quarter net revenue fell 13.4% year-over-year to $1.29 billion. Advertising revenue dropped 27.6% to $549 million, as political ad spending plunged to $21 million from $254 million the prior year. 

“In Q4 2025, we completed all outstanding 2025 renewals with our distribution partners and achieved better-than-expected growth in non-political advertising revenues,” Sook said. “Our 2026 plan includes closing our acquisition of Tegna, capitalizing on the political advertising opportunities presented by the mid-term elections, and continuing to optimize our business operations.”

Sook is optimistic that the deal will move forward, and reassured investors Thursday that “our expectation for close is by the end of 2026 — that remains unchanged.” He noted other media players have been allowed to pursue major acquisition and consolidation plans without the threat of government interference.

However, non-political advertising rose 4.5%, aided by digital growth and the absence of political "crowd-out." Distribution revenue edged up 0.8% to $720 million, driven by higher rates and vMVPD subscriber gains.

L-A TV: "Happy Birthday...You're Fired'

Ellina Abovian

KTLA's parent company, Nexstar Media Group, laid off five longtime on-air journalists on Wednesday amid cost-cutting efforts tied to its pursuit of a merger with Tegna. The affected staff include veteran meteorologist Mark Kriski (with KTLA since the 1991 launch of "KTLA Morning News"), meteorologist Kacey Montoya, midday anchors Lu Parker (joined 2005) and Glen Walker (joined 2010), and reporter Ellina Abovian (joined 2015).

On Thursday, Feb. 26, morning anchor Frank Buckley addressed the layoffs directly on air during "KTLA Morning News." He acknowledged the pain felt by the newsroom and viewers, calling KTLA a family that includes its audience. "This is a difficult time for us. And we will go through it together," Buckley said, while noting limited details could be shared. He emphasized the team's commitment to continuing to deliver essential morning news and bring smiles to viewers, concluding in under a minute.

Abovian, who learned of her termination on her 40th birthday, posted an emotional video on Threads about being "blindsided." "It hurts. It cuts deep, because I cared about what I did," she said, thanking colleagues and expressing how much she would miss viewers and field interactions. As a single mom to two children, she described the personal impact but noted such layoffs are widespread across industries in 2026.

Kriski was one of the show's original members; the last remaining from 1991, reporter Eric Spillman, reposted Buckley's statement on X with "For those that have been asking." The cuts reflect broader Nexstar reductions at stations like WGN in Chicago and WPIX in New York, drawing criticism from unions like SAG-AFTRA for undermining local news.

Chicago TV: More Downsizing At Nexstar's WGN-TV

WGN-Ch. 9 in Chicago suffered another round of layoffs this week, with three creative services employees let go on Wednesday, including longtime producer Debbie Brockman—whose viral October detainment by federal immigration agents drew national attention.

Brockman, a 15-year veteran at the station since 2011, was forced to the ground, handcuffed, and placed in an unmarked van by agents while heading to work from her Lincoln Square home. The U.S. citizen was detained for seven hours before release without charges. The incident, captured on video during heightened immigration enforcement operations in Chicago, sparked public outcry and symbolized clashes over urban enforcement tactics. The Chicago Tribune reports Brockman did not respond to comment requests Thursday, and no lawsuit appears to have been filed despite earlier indications of pursuing legal action.

The Wednesday cuts also affected a recently hired art director, while three other creative services staff were reassigned to a new regional hub in Nashville, according to sources familiar with the matter.

These layoffs follow heavy downsizing at WGN, owned by Dallas-based Nexstar Media. 

Debbie Brockman

On Monday, eight veteran on-air journalists and anchors were cut: Sean Lewis, Ray Cortopassi, Bronagh Tumulty, Judy Wang, Julian Crews, Paul Lisnek, Chris Boden, and Dean Richards. Last week, meteorologist Mike Janssen's contract was not renewed. Similar on-air and creative services reductions occurred this week at other Nexstar stations, including KTLA in Los Angeles, as the company consolidates operations.

WGN has seen repeated staff reductions in recent months: six newswriters and three technical director roles eliminated last month, plus four floor director positions cut in October.

Nexstar spokesperson Gary Weitman declined to comment on the WGN layoffs.

The cuts come amid Nexstar's growth strategy. The company acquired WGN in 2019 via its $4.1 billion purchase of Tribune Media. A pending $6.8 billion (or reported $6.2 billion in some updates) acquisition of rival Tegna is on track to close by the end of the second quarter of 2026, pending FCC approval to lift the national TV audience ownership cap. During Thursday's earnings call, CEO Perry Sook described the deal as accelerating media consolidation to help local broadcasters better compete with big tech and media while sustaining local journalism.

The restructuring has already eliminated nearly two dozen jobs at WGN, with Brockman among the latest affected.

Versant Restructures CNBC

CNBC is restructuring its newsroom by unifying its television and digital operations, resulting in nearly a dozen layoffs, including the departure of the website's managing editor, Jeff McCracken.

The changes stem from an overhaul led by Editor-in-Chief David Cho. Sources indicate the restructuring prepares the network for introducing a paywall on its website, aimed at shifting toward a more integrated, future-focused editorial structure.

A CNBC spokesperson emphasized that the adjustments align the newsroom for long-term growth rather than cost-cutting, stating: "The changes made today are to align CNBC’s newsroom structure for the future, they are not driven by cost cutting." The company plans to hire more than 40 new editorial roles over the next year across TV, digital, and direct-to-consumer platforms.

CNBC remains one of the most-watched cable networks, driven by its live coverage of financial markets and global business news.

The layoffs follow the recent spin-off of Versant Media Group, Inc.—CNBC's parent company—from Comcast. Versant began trading on Nasdaq in January 2026 under the ticker VSNT, and its shares have since declined more than 30%.

Versant owns a portfolio of cable networks including USA Network, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), Oxygen, and others, along with digital properties such as Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes.

SiriusXM Moves to Refinance $1B In Debt

Sirius XM Holdings announced Thursday it is refinancing $1 billion in debt maturing in 2026 by issuing new senior notes due 2032 and launching a concurrent cash tender offer for its existing 3.125% Senior Notes due 2026.

The company’s subsidiary, Sirius XM Radio LLC, intends to offer $1 billion in Senior Notes due 2032 to qualified institutional buyers under private exemptions from securities registration. Proceeds from the offering, combined with existing cash, will fund the repurchase of the 2026 notes through the tender offer and cover any remaining balance via redemption or other settlement if needed.

Savannah Guthrie To Return "At Some Point'

Savannah Guthrie 'TODAY'

Savannah Guthrie plans to return to her role as co-anchor on NBC's "Today" show at some point, according to two sources close to the network cited by CNN.

The timing remains highly uncertain and is entirely up to Guthrie, as she has been consumed by the ongoing search for her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who was reported missing from her Tucson-area home on February 1, 2026—now in its fourth week with no resolution, no suspects publicly identified, and authorities preparing to return the home to the family after processing.

An NBC source emphasized that "her 'Today' family will welcome her back with open arms on her timeline," which may help quiet speculation among viewers and industry insiders about her future on the program.

Guthrie, 54, is a central figure on the popular and profitable morning show. Her prominence turned her mother's disappearance—believed to be an abduction—into a major national story, amplified by her emotional video pleas for tips and the family's recent announcement of up to a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy's recovery, plus a $500,000 donation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Hoda Kotb, who left "Today" in January 2025, returned to co-host in Guthrie's absence—initially to help with planned Winter Olympics coverage from Milan but shifting to fill in at Studio 1A in New York after Guthrie traveled to Arizona to aid the search. Kotb described the uncertainty as "agonizing" for Guthrie and her siblings.

Resuming work could offer Guthrie a sense of comforting routine amid what she has called the most unsettling chapter of her life, even as the search for her mother continues without major breakthroughs.

Sactown Radio: KHTK Names Richie Carni As New PD

Bonneville International has promoted Richie Carni, currently Assistant Program Director at KKFN (104.3 The Fan) and KEPN (ESPN 1600) in Denver, to Program Director of KHTK (Sactown Sports 1140) in Sacramento. The move, an internal promotion within the company, takes effect March 30, 2026. 

Carni succeeds Jose Gonzalez in the role.Sacramento SVP/Market Manager Jim Richmond announced the hire, stating: "It's such a thrill to get someone of Richie's talent to join our team at Sactown Sports. 

Richie Carni

Richie has proven his value as a leader, talent coach and new media driver in Denver. I'm confident that he will lead us to new heights in Sacramento.

Carni joined Bonneville Denver in 2017 as a board operator and advanced to Executive Producer for the midday show Stokley and Zach and the afternoon show The Drive. He was promoted to APD in 2022. His sports broadcasting career began in 2015 as an intern and production assistant for Michigan-based broadcaster Jack Ebling on The Drive with Jack.

"I'm excited and honored to join the team in Sacramento," Carni said. "Sactown Sports is such an important part of the sports landscape in Northern California. I look forward to helping the team continue to grow our digital presence and bring amazing content to sports fans in Sacramento."