Radio History: March 8

➦In 1916...Harold J. Power, through his American Radio and Research Company (AMRAD), conducted what is recognized as the first continuous radio broadcast in the world. This broadcast took place from Tufts College (now Tufts University) in Medford, Massachusetts. It marked a significant milestone in the development of radio as a medium for regular communication and entertainment, moving beyond sporadic experimental transmissions.

➦In 1925...John Bradley Gambling started on-air at WOR NYC. Bernard McFadden was a physical culturist who had a radio show in New York City. When McFadden failed to show up for his daily morning program, Gambling, a studio engineer was forced to ad-lib on the air for a solid hour. Thus, WOR decided to give the time slot to Gambling.

John B Gambling

John Bradley Gambling (April 9, 1897 – November 21, 1974) became the first of the Gambling family, 3 generations to host mornings on WOR. John B., John A. and John R. - were hosts of WOR Radio's 'Rambling with Gambling' over the course of over 80 years (1925–2000 and 2008–2013).

John B. was the host from 1925 to 1959, when he retired in favor of his son, John A. Gambling. With his Musical Clock, his all-in-fun setting-up exercises, cheerio music, wheezy gags, weather information and news scraps, John B. Gambling was a WOR fixture.

➦In 1945...George Michael 'Mickey' Dolenz Jr. born.  He is an actor, musician, television director, radio personality and theater director, best known as a vocalist and drummer of the 1960s pop/rock band the Monkees.

On January 10, 2005, Dolenz replaced Dan Taylor as the morning disc jockey at oldies radio station WCBS-FM in New York. On June 3, 2005, Dolenz celebrated his 100th show with a special morning show at B.B. King's. In an ironic and controversial twist, that was also his last regular show at the station; at 5:00 pm, WCBS-FM announced that the station would replace its oldies format with a "Jack" format.

However, WCBS-FM had since returned to its oldies format on July 12, 2007.

➦In 1949...WBAP 96.7 FM, Fort Worth Texas, signed-on. Today the station is Sports KTCK-FM, owned by Cumulus Media.

➦In 1979...Compact Disc Digital Audio, also known as Audio CD, is the standard format for audio compact discs, was first demonstrated.

➦In 1994...Jack Spector died at age 65 (Born - September 15, 1928). He was a longtime New York City radio personality.

Jack Spector

Spector began his career in 1955 and in 1961 became one of the original WMCA Good Guys.  In late December 1963, WMCA, with Spector, earned the distinction of being the first New York City radio station to play the Beatles' Capitol Records' single, "I Want to Hold Your Hand." (Outside New York, the single's broadcast debut is widely accepted to have occurred earlier at WWDC in Washington, D.C.)

After WMCA moved to a talk format, Spector went to WHN, then a vocal-based easy listening station. He remained for a while after WHN became a Country music station in 1973. In 1974, Spector left WHN to go to WCBS-FM where he hosted a 1955-1964 based Oldies show called "The Saturday Night Sock Hop" and another regular weekend shift. He was also a full-time swing host there, filling in for various airstaffers over the years. In 1983, Cousin Brucie began doing every third Saturday night of the month. Spector remained at WCBS-FM until the Spring of 1985.

In 1985, Spector was at WNBC as the original host of "Sports Night". He went then to WPIX-FM, which was playing an adult contemporary format. Upon their change to NAC and soon after to smooth jazz, he became one of the first air personalities on CD 101.9. Spector also worked as an optician when he was not on the air.

Late in 1988, Spector left WQCD and joined the staff of WHLI on Long Island, NY playing an Adult Standards format. That station began mixing in more rock and roll oldies by the early '90s. After a few Radio Greats Weekends at WCBS-FM, Jack Spector returned as a part-time swing announcer there in 1993 while working full-time at WHLI.

On March 8, 1994, shortly after starting a recording of Louis Prima's "I'm In The Mood For Love", he suffered an apparent fatal heart attack and collapsed.

➦In  2016… Ronald Herbert Jacobs died in Hawaii (Born - September 3, 1937). He is best known as the program director of KHJ radio in Los Angeles during its ground-breaking "Boss Radio" period (1965–1969), and as co-creator of the countdown show American Top 40, and the seminal radio program The History of Rock and Roll (1969).

FCC Sets Tentative Agenda for Monthly Meeting

The FCC has released a draft Report and Order for tentative consideration at its Open Commission Meeting on March 26, proposing significant updates to broadcast rules that would reduce regulatory burdens on U.S. radio and television stations.

The draft, circulated publicly on Thursday, in MB Docket No. 24-626 aims to modernize regulations in Parts 1, 73, 74, and 76 of the FCC's rules. These changes align the rules with current Media Bureau application processing practices, clarify ambiguous provisions, harmonize inconsistent language, and eliminate references to outdated procedures and legacy systems (such as the old Consolidated Database System, or CDBS).

Key proposed changes directly affecting radio broadcasters (including AM, FM, LPFM, and translators) include:

CNN Accused of Airing 'Pro-Iran Regime Propaganda'

The Trump administration on Thursday accused CNN of disseminating "pro-Iran regime propaganda" following a report from the network's correspondent in Tehran, who described scenes of relative calm and normal daily life continuing amid the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.

Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson led the criticism, posting on X (formerly Twitter) that "CNN appears to now be doing straight up pro-Iran regime propaganda because someone gave this guy a coffee." 

The remark referenced a viral clip of CNN reporter Frederik Pleitgen reporting from Iran, where he was seen holding a coffee while noting increased security checkpoints and armed personnel on roads leading to the capital—but no widespread panic or collapse of order.

CNN's Frederik Pleitgen encounters more checkpoints than usual and armed personnel on the road to Iran's capital, but sees no signs of panic.

Shops are open and stocked, and gas appears readily available with no long lines.

CNN is operating in Iran only with government… pic.twitter.com/q7AKQIp1js

— CNN (@CNN) March 5, 2026

In the CNN segment that drew ire, Pleitgen reported driving toward Tehran and observing that, despite heavier-than-usual security measures, "things are going on, and we certainly don't see any sign of order collapsing here." 

Philly Radio: Jon Marks, Sean Brace Team Again

Sean Brace is returning full-time to the station, reuniting with his former co-host Jon Marks to co-host Middays with Marks. The duo will air weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting Monday. The announcement came during Friday's show, where Marks dramatically revealed Brace as the permanent co-host, complete with a fun David Hasselhoff bit for flair. 

Brace had been appearing part-time in the slot since Jon Marks returned to the Fanatic last fall, following a rotating cast of co-hosts that included familiar names like Harry Mayes and Jason Myrtetus.

This marks a full-circle moment for the pair, who previously teamed up on the Jon & Sean Show at 97.5 The Fanatic from 2013 to 2015 during what many consider one of the station's strongest eras—back when the lineup featured national morning shows like Mike and Mike, Tony Bruno and Harry Mayes in afternoons, and Mike Missanelli in PM drive.

Spring Means It's Time for Country Radio Seminar

The Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2026 features a packed schedule of educational sessions, research presentations, artist showcases, networking events, and industry luncheons from March 18–20 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

The event kicks off with expanded multi-day research and programming to help country radio professionals stay ahead in a competitive landscape.

Key highlights include:

• Research Presentations (actionable data for programmers):Wednesday, March 18: NuVoodoo's nationwide music study (400+ song Auditorium Music Test with Curb Records), focusing on fans aged 18–54 across radio and streaming.
• Thursday, March 19: Annual Perceptual Study by Strategic Solutions Research.
• Friday, March 20: Country Music Association's teen-focused listener research to understand the next generation.

Digital Music Summit (DMS): Integrated across all three days with panels, discussions, networking, and artist spotlights bridging digital platforms, radio, and modern country fans.

NuVoodoo Research to Present Country Fans Insights

NuVoodoo Research delivers actionable insights from a major nationwide Country music study at the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2026 in Nashville. The presentation happens Friday morning, March 20, right before the crucial spring ratings period begins.

The study draws from 600 Country fans evaluating more than 400 song titles, spanning back to the 1990s. It equips stations of every size with reliable, immediately usable intelligence for smarter playlist and programming choices.

"Reliable research is one of the most valuable tools a programmer can have, but it's not always accessible to everyone," said Justin Chase, Beasley Chief Programming Officer and CRS Research Committee Chair. 

"This music test delivers insights programmers can use immediately, helping stations of all sizes make smarter, data-driven decisions."

Leading the in-person session are NuVoodoo Founder Carolyn Gilbert and President/Media Research & Marketing Leigh Jacobs. They express deep thanks to Curb Records and RJ Meacham for sponsoring and enabling this resource for the Country radio community.

Thesession stands out as part of CRS 2026's expanded multi-day research focus (held March 18–20), giving attendees timely, high-value listener and music data to sharpen their competitive edge in a fast-moving format.

CRS To Reveal Radio Hall Class, ACM Radio Winners

The Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2026 and key ACM Radio Award winners will be unveiled during CRS Honors on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 2 p.m., kicking off the Country Radio Seminar at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

In partnership with the Academy of Country Music, the ceremony will announce the Station of the Year and On-Air Personality of the Year winners across all market sizes. Parker McCollum joins to help reveal these honorees, following the recent release of ACM Radio Award nominees.

The remaining ACM Radio Award categories will be announced later during the New Faces of Country Music Show on the seminar's final night.

Digital Music Summer Highlights CRS 2026

The CRS Digital Music Summit (DMS) 2026 is a key component of the Country Radio Seminar (CRS), an annual industry event focused on country music radio, professionals, artists, and related stakeholders.

CRS 2026 takes place March 18–20, 2026, at the Omni Nashville Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. 

The Digital Music Summit is integrated throughout the three-day event (it's the 6th annual edition), rather than a standalone separate summit. It bridges traditional country radio with the digital world, including streaming platforms (DSPs like Spotify/Apple Music), social media, charts, and online music consumption.

The DMS emphasizes forward-thinking discussions on how digital platforms influence and intersect with radio, music discovery, promotion, and fan engagement in modern country music. It includes panels, artist spotlights, networking, and sessions designed to foster collaboration across radio, labels, digital services, and artists.

CRS Expects Full House for New Faces Show

The New Faces of Country Music Show (often called the New Faces Show) is one of the most anticipated and iconic events at the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2026, held March 18–20, 2026, at the Omni Nashville Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.

This showcase, running for over five decades (since around 1970), highlights emerging country artists who have shown strong momentum and success at country radio during the qualification period (typically November 1 through October 31 of the prior year). It's a sit-down dinner and performance event that spotlights rising stars voted on by the country radio community, serving as a key platform for radio programmers, industry pros, and labels to discover and support the next wave of talent.
For 2026, the show has expanded to feature six artists (instead of the usual five), reflecting a strong year of emerging talent and possibly updated criteria that incorporate broader digital and radio success metrics.

2026 New Faces LineupThe performers, announced in early January 2026, are (in alphabetical order):

Time to Spring Ahead...Again

Get ready to "spring forward" as people throughout the United States lose an hour of sleep in the early morning of Sunday.

Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, March 8. While "smart" devices may change time automatically, don't forget to turn manual clocks an hour ahead, from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Daylight saving time (DST) is designed to provide an extra hour of evening sunlight, and it will stay in effect for eight months until Nov. 1, when daylight saving time ends for the year.

While the Uniform Time Act of 1966 promoted a uniform system of time across the country, it did allow states to choose whether they wanted to participate.

Radio History: March 7

➦In 1876...Patent granted to  Alexander Graham Bell for the telephone. Three days later, he and associate Thomas Watson successfully tested their invention. Elisha Gray, Antonio Meucci and Thomas Edison all claimed to have invented the telephone first, and the issue is still a source of controversy.

There has long been a debate over whether Bell was truly the first man to invent the telephone. Bell was presented with more than 600 patent lawsuits, but the courts continually ruled that he was legally the inventor.

There are several controversies about the invention. First is that Bell received a patent before he had a working device, which was unusual. His critics, including Elisha Gray and Thomas Edison—who claimed to have had a working telephone but did not file for a patent—accused Bell’s father-in-law, former Congressman Gardiner G. Hubbard, of persuading the patent office to give Bell his patent over Gray.

➦In 1933... CBS radio debuted its first daytime radio serial, “Marie the Little French Princess”, which had a run of 2.5  years on the air.  Marie, The Little French Princess was the first soap opera on CBS radio. It was daily program at daytime. Hilman Brown as producer and director of the serial was one of respected person in radio broadcast. He was inducted into the  Radio Hall of Fame in 1990.

➦In 1938...The St. Louis Dispatch began a two-year experiment delivering newspapers via radio facsimile, with the first transmission sent through station W9XZY. This innovative use of radio waves to transmit printed content showcased the medium’s versatility beyond audio broadcasts.

The Beatles 1963

➦In 1962...The Beatles performed for 52 BBC Radio programs, beginning with an appearance on this date and ending with the special The Beatles Invite You to Take a Ticket to Ride, recorded on 26 May 1965. Forty-seven of their BBC appearances occurred in 1963 and 1964, including 10 on Saturday Club and 15 on their own weekly series Pop Go the Beatles, which began in June 1963. As The Beatles had not accumulated many original songs by this time, the majority of their BBC performances consisted of cover versions, drawing on the repertoire that they had developed for their early stage act.

Trump Boots Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly

President Donald Trump publicly declared that Tucker Carlson is no longer part of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement, stating the conservative commentator "has lost his way" and is "not MAGA." This sharp rebuke came in a March 5, 2026, interview with ABC News correspondent Jonathan Karl, directly responding to Carlson's fierce criticism of Trump's decision to launch joint U.S.-Israel military strikes against Iran.

Trump emphasized: "MAGA is saving our country. MAGA is making our country great again. MAGA is America first, and Tucker is none of those things. And Tucker is really not smart enough to understand that." 

He extended similar dismissal to other critics like Megyn Kelly, asserting that "MAGA is Trump" and these figures do not represent his core base.

Tucker Carlson

The rift stems from the U.S. military operation against Iran, which killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, several top officials, and resulted in at least six U.S. service member deaths. Described as a preemptive strike to force regime change, the action has escalated into ongoing conflict and drawn comparisons to Trump's campaign promises to avoid new foreign wars and prioritize "America First."

Carlson condemned the strikes as "absolutely disgusting and evil" in interviews, including with ABC News, arguing they contradict isolationist principles within MAGA and serve as "Israel’s war." 

Other prominent conservative voices, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Walsh, and Dave Smith, echoed concerns about entanglement in Middle East conflicts, potential political fallout ahead of midterms, and broken pledges against endless wars.

This public feud highlights deepening divisions in the MAGA coalition between supporters of Trump's interventionist approach on Iran and isolationist "America First" advocates like Carlson, who remains influential in conservative media. The split has fueled online debates, accusations of anti-Semitism against Carlson from some pro-Trump figures, and warnings of damage to GOP unity and voter turnout.

Cumulus-Nielsen Lawsuit Remains Active

Cumulus Media filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 5, 2026, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, aiming to eliminate approximately $592–600 million in debt through a prepackaged restructuring supported by about 72% of certain lenders. The plan would hand equity control to lenders, significantly deleveraging the company amid declining radio advertising revenue from streaming competition, macroeconomic pressures, and increased costs tied to its ongoing antitrust dispute with Nielsen.

Meanwhile, the Nielsen-Cumulus lawsuit remains active in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. On Thursday, Nielsen filed its opening brief in the appeal, urging reversal of the district court's December 2025 preliminary injunction that had blocked Nielsen's "Network Policy" of tying national radio ratings access to purchases of local market data. The Second Circuit had stayed that injunction on February 3, 2026, allowing Nielsen to enforce the policy during the appeal, which is fast-tracked.

DHS 'ICE' Queen Wasn't Truthful At Senate Hearing

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he is replacing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem with U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), effective by the end of March. The move came shortly after Trump told Reuters he was unaware of and did not approve a controversial $220 million border security advertising campaign that prominently featured Noem.

"I never knew anything about it," Trump said in a phone interview with Reuters.Trump posted the replacement announcement on Truth Social soon after the interview.

The $220 million ad campaign, aimed at promoting border security and encouraging self-deportation amid Trump's immigration crackdown, drew bipartisan criticism during Noem's congressional testimony on Tuesday and Wednesday. Lawmakers from both parties questioned the contracting process, lack of standard competitive bidding, and awards to Republican-connected firms.

Sen. John Kennedy asks Sec. Kristi Noem: “How do you square that concern for waste—which I share—with the fact that you have spent $220 million running television advertisements that feature you prominently?”

pic.twitter.com/BOl0xoxPpW

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) March 3, 2026

In a key exchange, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) pressed Noem on whether Trump had approved the spending: "The president approved ahead of time you spending $220 million running TV ads across the country in which you are featured prominently?"

"Yes, sir. We went through the legal processes, did it correctly," Noem replied.The ads included scenes of Noem on horseback at Mount Rushmore in her home state of South Dakota.

PSKY CEO: Promises Editorial Independence At CNN

Paramount CEO David Ellison assured CNBC viewers on Thursday that CNN would preserve its editorial independence if Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery is finalized, directly addressing concerns that the network might alter its approach to align with the Trump administration.

During an appearance on "Squawk on the Street," host David Faber questioned Ellison about widespread fears—particularly among CNN staff—that a Paramount-owned CNN could become "more beholden to the Trump administration," especially given Ellison's influence over CBS News. Some insiders had previously described the potential takeover as potentially marking "the end" for the network as they know it.

Ellison pushed back firmly, stating that CNN's independence "will actually be maintained." He drew a parallel to CBS, where he said editorial independence is already upheld, and emphasized a focus on serving the "70% of Americans—and around the world—who identify as center-left and center-right." 

He described Paramount's goal as being "in the truth business" and "in the trust business," insisting this direction would not shift.

Good Morning! It's Friday, March 6..So Check Out the Pulse

Radio Broadcasting

War with Iran Drives Surge in News/Talk Radio Listening and Emergency Coverage: The escalating conflict (now in its second week) has boosted real-time audio consumption on radio, with stations providing live updates, expert analysis, and breaking reports on U.S. military actions (e.g., submarine strikes, Iranian retaliations on bases and embassies), oil price spikes, and domestic impacts. News/talk formats remain strong in recent PPM ratings, with many stations airing extended coverage, interviews with officials, and listener call-ins amid public anxiety. Conservative-leaning talk shows (e.g., on networks like Cumulus or iHeart) heavily feature pro-administration perspectives on the war, while public radio outlets continue in-depth reporting despite prior funding challenges. Radio's role in emergency alerting and local resilience is highlighted, especially as potential energy disruptions could affect power grids and broadcasting infrastructure.

Broadcast Electronics Changes Hands: A significant transaction in radio equipment/manufacturing, with Broadcast Electronics acquired or restructured (details emerging March 6). This affects station infrastructure upgrades, especially for HD Radio, digital transitions, and resilience tech.

Cumulus Media's Post-Restructuring Focus: Fresh from Chapter 11 emergence, Cumulus emphasizes growth, debt reduction, and flexibility—potentially leading to more acquisitions or format shifts in news/talk amid war coverage demands.

Entravision Expands U.S. Media Leadership: The company named a trio to lead its U.S. operations, signaling investment in multicultural radio (e.g., Spanish-language formats) and cross-platform strategies.

Media Industry

Intensified Challenges to Journalism Amid the Iran War:  The escalating conflict has created severe hurdles for media coverage. In Iran, a near-total media blackout persists, with independent journalists facing detentions, photo deletions, internet restrictions, and threats—exacerbated by the regime's long-standing censorship practices. Reporters Without Borders and others have called for the release of jailed journalists and an end to pressures. On the U.S./Israeli side, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has sharply criticized media reporting on troop deaths and war developments, while access to military information remains heavily restricted (including limited Pentagon press interactions). Viral moments, like a CNN reporter's on-air comment about Israeli media restrictions during live coverage, have sparked debates over potential self-censorship or imposed limits. This has led to broader discussions about stifled reporting, distorted state narratives (e.g., Iranian TV and social media using AI-generated content to project defiance), and the public's right to transparent information during wartime.

Trump Administration's Ongoing Restrictions on Press Access and Favoritism Toward Pro-Administration Outlets:  The White House continues tightening control over media interactions, building on earlier policies from late 2025 and early 2026. This includes White House decisions on press pool assignments (bypassing the White House Correspondents' Association), restricted access to press secretary offices, and favoritism toward MAGA-aligned media and influencers. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has defended criticisms of mainstream coverage (e.g., on Iran troop deaths), framing it as factual bias against the administration. These moves are seen as part of a pattern to punish adversarial journalism, limit transparency, and elevate friendly outlets—raising alarms from press freedom advocates about threats to accountability.

U-S News

Escalating U.S.-Israel War with Iran Remains the Leading Story: The conflict, which began around late February 2026 with coordinated strikes (codenamed Operation Epic Fury by the U.S. and Operation Roaring Lion by Israel), continues with intense airstrikes, drone attacks, and missile exchanges. Key updates include:

• Ongoing bombings across Iran, with death tolls reported in the hundreds (e.g., 787 cited earlier in the week from Iranian sources).
• U.S. military actions, such as a submarine sinking an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean and air-to-air engagements.
• Iran retaliating with strikes, including on U.S. assets, leading to American casualties (e.g., reservists killed in Kuwait drone strikes).
• President Trump stating he wants a personal role in approving Iran's next leader following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and claiming Iran has reached out for a potential deal (though officials say no active negotiations).
• Broader regional spillover, including impacts on Lebanon, Hezbollah involvement, evacuations of Americans, and economic effects like surging oil prices and stock market drops (e.g., Dow tumbling significantly).
• Public and political debate, with polls showing disapproval of the strikes, criticism of unclear goals, and protests (including a veteran removed from a Senate hearing).

President Trump Fires DHS Secretary Kristi Noem:  In a major cabinet shakeup, Trump removed Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security after criticism of her leadership, border policies (including controversial detention sites), and other issues like handling protests and spending. He announced plans to replace her with Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, creating a Senate vacancy and exposing early tensions in the administration. This is seen as the first major firing in Trump's second term.

Cumulus Bankruptcy Discussed For Some Time

Cumulus Media filed for a prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy Thursday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, backed by a restructuring support agreement with key lenders. The move aims to eliminate approximately $600 million in debt—roughly 85% of its funded obligations—allowing the company to emerge later this year as a stronger, privately held entity with a significantly deleveraged balance sheet.

The prepackaged plan is designed to cause no disruption to daily operations, employees, programming, or listener experience. 

Cumulus has secured up to $100 million in liquidity through an amended asset-based lending facility and lender consent to use existing cash collateral, ensuring business continuity during the process.

The restructuring is expected to save about $49 million annually in interest expenses. This freed-up cash flow will support growth initiatives, digital transformation, content innovation, and brand enhancement providing the radio broadcaster with greater financial flexibility amid industry challenges like shifting audience behaviors and high debt burdens.

Cumulus began exploring restructuring options in late 2025 due to these pressures, including approaching debt maturities. CFO Francisco J. Lopez-Balboa stated in a court declaration that the prepackaged approach—anchored by stakeholder agreement—avoids a destructive freefall bankruptcy, minimizes risk and costs, and best serves all stakeholders.

The company plans to seek court confirmation of its reorganization plan in mid-April 2026, followed by FCC approvals expected to take three to four months. This timeline targets an emergence between August and October 2026. During Chapter 11, Cumulus will continue required SEC filings (such as Q4 2025 earnings), though earnings calls will pause. Post-emergence as a private company, public disclosure requirements will decrease, sharpening focus on long-term strategy.

The filing does not affect separate ongoing legal matters, including issues with Nielsen. This strategic reset sheds years of accumulated debt, positioning Cumulus for a more agile future centered on broadcast radio growth, digital expansion, talent investment, and premium content.

DHS Detained Reporter In Nashville

A Colombian journalist working for Nashville Noticias was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without an arrest warrant on March 4, 2026, in South Nashville, according to an emergency habeas corpus petition filed by her attorneys in federal court.

WSMV— NASHVILLE NOTICIAS reporter Estefany Rodriguez, who reported on ICE, detained by ICE🤔. They claim she missed 2 appointments but 1 was during the ice storm, another they gave her bad info.

Her husband is a citizen, she’s on a Green card path.

Full: https://t.co/7ARMgCEy0W pic.twitter.com/HSf8AOCcxF

— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) March 6, 2026

The reporter, Estefany Maria Rodriguez Flores, remains in ICE custody at a detention center. ICE did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Her lawyers filed the emergency petition in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, asserting the warrantless arrest violated her rights. Rodriguez Flores, originally from Colombia, has lived in the U.S. for five years, is married to a U.S. citizen, and has been following legal steps toward citizenship, including a scheduled March 17 meeting with ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations.

Nashville Noticias stated that agents surrounded the vehicle she was in with her husband outside a gym. The vehicle was marked with the outlet's logo, and she was taken into custody during what appeared to be a traffic stop or encounter in South Nashville.

Her attorneys highlighted that Rodriguez Flores "frequently reports on stories critical of ICE" for the Spanish-language media outlet, raising questions about potential retaliation. She joined Nashville Noticias in 2022 and holds a journalism degree from Colombia, where she previously worked at various news outlets and reportedly fled due to threats related to her reporting.

Immigrant rights advocates and her legal team are working to determine the full reasons for the detention and secure her release. This marks at least the second instance of a Hispanic reporter from a Spanish-language outlet in Tennessee being targeted and detained by ICE in recent times.

The case has drawn attention amid broader immigration enforcement actions under the current administration.

President Trump’s TV-Ready War Secretary On Offense

War Secretary Pete Hegseth has appeared at the Pentagon lectern three times this week to vigorously defend President Trump's ongoing military campaign against Iran, forcefully rejecting accusations that the U.S. is plunging into another "endless war" like those in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"To the media outlets and political left screaming ‘endless wars’—stop. This is not Iraq. This is not endless," Hegseth declared Monday. "I was there for both. Our generation knows better, and so does this president."

The briefings come amid the escalating U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran—now in its early days—that has drawn criticism for potentially dragging America into a prolonged Middle East conflict, despite Trump's campaign vows to avoid such entanglements.

'We have only just begun to fight and fight decisively,' US War Secretary Pete Hegseth said, adding that Iran was making a mistake if it believed that the US could not sustain the ongoing war pic.twitter.com/JA0GLhaiBW

— GENERAL OF THE U.S. ARMY TOM S. GATES ★ 🦅🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@GENTomSGates83) March 6, 2026

 

Hegseth has used his veteran status as a former National Guardsman who served in Iraq and Afghanistan to push back on those concerns, positioning himself as a credible voice assuring the public that this fight has clear, limited objectives—unlike past wars.

Savannah Guthrie Makes Off-Camera Return To TODAY

Savannah Guthrie made an emotional, off-camera return to NBC's Today show Studio 1A in New York on Thursday reuniting with her colleagues for the first time since her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, was abducted from her home in the Tucson, Arizona, area on February 1.

The Today co-anchor thanked her work family profusely, expressing deep gratitude that they “cared about my mom as much as I do.” 

The moment was understandably tearful and heartfelt, as Guthrie had been away from the show for over a month, prioritizing support for her family and efforts to bring Nancy home amid the ongoing investigation.

Guthrie addressed her colleagues directly during the visit, conveying her intention to return to hosting duties on air eventually, even though it feels incredibly difficult right now. As she put it poignantly, echoing what her mother might say: “Where else would I go?” 

She described the Today set as her home, a place filled with love and support during this unimaginable ordeal.

Entravision Reports 32% 4Q Revenue Drop

Entravision Communications released its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025 on Thursday, after market close, as part of the company's scheduled earnings announcement.

"Our Media segment net revenue declined 32% in the fourth quarter of 2025 year-over-year, primarily due to lower political revenue. These results included a 4% increase in local advertising revenue and a 5% decline in national advertising revenue, excluding political revenue," said Michael Christenson, Chief Executive Officer. 

"Our Advertising Technology & Services segment net revenue increased 123% in the fourth quarter of 2025 year-over-year. This performance was driven by our strategic investments in the AI capabilities of our platform and expanded sales capacity. Our Advertising Technology & Services segment had higher monthly active advertisers and higher revenue per monthly active advertiser."

Christenson continued, “We repaid $5 million on our bank term loan in the fourth quarter of 2025, bringing our total reduction during the full year to $20 million. We remain committed to reducing our debt and maintaining a strong balance sheet.”

Entravision Announces New Leaders

Entravision has announced three promotions in its US Media leadership team:

• Maria Martinez-Guzman to President of Entravision Media;
• Eduardo Maytorena to President of Entravision Audio; and
• Winter Horton to Chief Revenue Officer

Martinez-Guzman, Maytorena and Horton will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Michael Christenson.

“These promotions align our leadership with our core objectives: serve our Latino audience and advertisers, lead with sales, and modernize our operations,” said Christenson. “Maria, Eduardo and Winter are experienced leaders who will deliver on audience, client and revenue growth.”

Martinez-Guzman will lead television and digital video programming, local sales for television-only markets, and national sales. She started her career in Entravision’s McAllen office, and rejoins Entravision after a 20-year career at Univision, where she served as EVP of News. “I am honored and excited to step into this role,” said Martinez-Guzman. “Video has always been at the heart of my career. It’s how we inform, tell stories, and build trust. I look forward to working with our talented team to position Entravision as a leader in broadcast and streaming video.”

Eduardo Maytorena

Maytorena will oversee radio and digital audio programming, local sales for radio-only markets, and network and national sales. He is formerly a Senior Vice President in Entravision's Los Angeles market. “I’m energized to take this role,” said Maytorena. “Entravision has built one of the most influential platforms for Latino audiences, and I’m proud to help lead its next phase of growth. We will change the audio game and transform it into a more integrated, dynamic platform. My goal is to position Entravision Audio as the most forward-thinking Latino audio platform, driving growth across our markets.”

Horton will lead sales for Entravision’s combined markets and sales operations & support for all markets. He most recently served as Entravision’s Senior Advisor to the CEO, guiding the development of Entravision’s new media model. Horton previously served as Chief Operating Officer at various media companies, including Liberman Broadcasting (the predecessor of Estrella Media and operator of the TelevisaUnivision affiliate in Puerto Rico) and Meruelo Media.