Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.
Memorial Day, as Decoration Day gradually came to be known, originally honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War. But during World War I the United States found itself embroiled in another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, including World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, the date General Logan had selected for the first Decoration Day. But in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. The change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.
➦In 1844...Samuel F.B. Morse gave the first public demonstration of his telegraph by sending a message from the Supreme Court Chamber in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. to the B&O Railroad "outer depot" (now the B&O Railroad Museum) in Baltimore. The famous message was, "What hath God wrought?"
➦In 1915...Thomas Edison invented telescribe to record telephone conversations
➦In 1935...The Mutual Broadcasting System network aired its inaugural live event—the first-ever night baseball game, between the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies. That October, the network began a decades-long run as broadcaster of baseball's World Series, with airtime responsibilities shared between WGN's Bob Elson and Quin Ryan and WLW's Red Barber (NBC and CBS also carried the series that year; the Fall Classic would air on all three networks through 1938).
➦In 1958…Formally named "United Press Associations" for incorporation and legal purposes, but publicly known and identified as United Press or UP, the news agency was created by the 1907 uniting of three smaller news syndicates. It became United Press International after absorbing the International News Service (INS). As either UP or UPI, the agency was among the largest newswire services in the world, competing domestically for about 90 years with the Associated Press and internationally with AP, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
➦In 1963...The Beatles recorded the first program of their own BBC radio series, “Pop Go the Beatles”. The theme song was a version of “Pop Goes the Weasel”.
➦In 1981...Radio, TV Actor and personality George Jessel, who often performed with the nickname “America’s Toastmaster General,” died after a heart attack at age 83.
➦In 2008...Comedian Dick Martin, a co-star with Dan Rowan on NBC TV’s iconic “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In”, died of respiratory problems at age 86. Early in his career, Martin was a staff writer for Duffy's Tavern, a radio situation comedy.
➦In 1905...Journalist Joseph C. Harsch born (Died at age 93 – June 3, 1998) was a newspaper, radio, and television journalist. He spent more than sixty years writing for the Christian Science Monitor
Harsch made his first broadcasts during the time he was in Berlin as bureau chief for the Christian Science Monitor, filling in sporadically for William L. Shirer who was the noted Berlin correspondent for CBS. After Harsch returned to the United States, he joined CBC in 1943. For the next six years Harsch broadcast his news analysis on WTOP, Washington D.C.
Because of his background in London, Harsch was hired by the BBC when influential broadcaster Raymond Gram Swing gave up his post with the weekly radio program American Commentary. Harsch alternated his coverage from Washington with Clifton Utley, who reported from Chicago.
In 1953, Harsch shifted his allegiance to NBC, serving as a news analyst for four years before returning to London as the senior European correspondent for the network. ABC became his broadcast home in 1967, when he was a commentator for the network until 1971, assigned to the American Entertainment Network effective 1/1/68.
Lindsey Nelson
➦In 1919...sportscaster Lindsey Nelson born (Died at age 76 – June 10, 1995), He was best known for his long career calling play-by-play of college football and New York Mets baseball.
Nelson spent 17 years with the Mets and three years with the San Francisco Giants. For 33 years Nelson covered college football, including 26 Cotton Bowls, five Sugar Bowls, four Rose Bowls, and 14 years announcing syndicated Notre Dame games. He is in 13 separate Halls of Fame. Fans remember a talented broadcaster, an expert storyteller, and a true sports enthusiast. From his colorful jackets to his equally colorful broadcasts and enthusiastic manner of speaking, Nelson established himself as one of the industry's leading sportscasters.
Nelson broke into broadcasting in 1948 following a short career as a reporter in Columbia, Tennessee, for the Columbia Daily Herald newspaper, He was the first play-by-play announcer for the "Vol Network," which was set up to broadcast the UT Vols games.
➦In 1985...CBS resumed weekly national play-by-play baseball on radio for the first time in 20 years as Brent Musburger called the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets. The Mutual Broadcasting System was the last radio network to have offered regular-season coverage of baseball back in the 1960’s.
➦In 2013...Veteran radio talk show host Gene Burns died from a stroke at age 72. In his early twenties, Burns was hired as news director for radio station WWHG in his hometown of Hornell, New York, before moving on to WSBA in York, PA. He began his career as talk radio host at WCBM in Baltimore in the mid-1960s. While at WCBM, Burns did two major international assignments, going to Vietnam in 1968 and the Middle East in 1969.
Gene Burns
Following a brief stint with WEEI in Boston, Burns served as a talk show host as well as program director at WKIS-AM in Orlando, FL, beginning in 1971. He would remain there until 1981, when he departed for WCAU in Philadelphia in 1981. He then returned to Orlando and WKIS in the early 1980s and was named the station's operations manager in 1984. In 1985, Burns returned to Boston, hosting a talk show on WRKO for eight years.
In 1993, Burns moved to New York City and began hosting a nationally syndicated talk program from the studios of WOR.
In 1995, he began broadcasting for KGO-AM in San Francisco. He hosted a talk show of political and social commentary called The Gene Burns Program on weeknights, as well as a program that focused on wine and fine dining in the San Francisco Bay Area called Dining Around with Gene Burns which was broadcast weekly on Saturdays.
After nearly a century of shaping history through the airwaves, CBS News Radio fell silent forever, delivering one final, unforgettable sign-off with Edward R. Murrow’s legendary words: “Good night, and good luck.”
In a somber and emotional farewell broadcast, anchor Christopher Cruise delivered the solemn announcement: “CBS News special report. After 99 years, CBS News Radio is going off the air tonight.” His voice carried the weight of the moment as he added, “For this final newscast, the news anchors you’ve trusted for years wanted to say goodbye.”
Cruise then introduced longtime voices Steve Nathan, Allison Keyes, and Deborah Rodriguez, who spoke with deep gratitude and visible emotion, thanking their colleagues and the generations of loyal listeners who had tuned in through wars, triumphs, and tragedies.
The broadcast reached its poignant climax with the haunting replay of Murrow’s iconic sign-off echoing one last time, before Cruise delivered the station’s final words: “CBS News special report. I’m Christopher Cruise.”
CBS News Radio, one of the pioneering forces in American broadcast journalism, operated for nearly 99 years before signing off for the final time on May 22, 2026. It helped invent modern radio news and set standards for on-the-spot reporting that influenced generations of journalists.
Founding and Early Years (1927–1930s)
CBS traces its roots to the United Independent Broadcasters, formed in early 1927. The network officially launched on September 18, 1927 (some sources cite September 27), with a live orchestra broadcast from flagship station WOR in Newark, New Jersey, and a small group of affiliates.Under William S. Paley, who acquired control in 1928–1929, CBS expanded rapidly into a national network. Early programming focused on music and entertainment, but news soon became central.
The first regular news segment appeared in 1929, and in 1930, Paley hired journalist Paul W. White as news editor.
The network made early headlines by breaking the Lindbergh baby kidnapping story in 1932 with live reporting, defying embargoes.
The Golden Age of Radio News (1930s–1940s)
CBS News Radio truly came into its own in the late 1930s. On March 13, 1938, it broadcast the first World News Roundup — often cited as the birth of modern broadcast journalism — covering the Anschluss (Germany’s annexation of Austria). Edward R. Murrow delivered his first report that day, and the program became America’s longest-running network newscast.
Murrow and his “Murrow Boys” (including William L. Shirer, Eric Sevareid, and others) delivered iconic reports from Europe during World War II, most famously Murrow’s rooftop broadcasts from London during the Blitz: “This is London.” These reports brought the war vividly into American homes.
Key milestones:
Coverage of the 1938 World Series and a 1939 interview with Babe Ruth.
Live reports on Pearl Harbor (1941), D-Day (1944), and other major events.
Post-War Era and Television Competition (1950s–1970s)
As television rose in the 1950s, radio shifted focus to news and information. CBS maintained strong radio operations with anchors like Douglas Edwards, Robert Trout, and later Charles Osgood and Dan Rather.
In the 1960s–1970s, CBS converted many owned AM stations to all-news formats (e.g., KNX in Los Angeles in 1967). The network continued providing hourly newscasts, features, and the World News Roundup to hundreds of affiliates.
Later Decades and Challenges (1980s–2020s)
CBS Radio remained influential through major events:
Assassination of John F. Kennedy
Civil Rights Movement
Vietnam War
Gulf War
9/11 attacks
Space Shuttle disasters
At its peak, it reached approximately 700 affiliate stations across the U.S.
In 2017, CBS sold its owned-and-operated radio stations to Entercom (later Audacy), but retained CBS News Radio as a content provider under CBS News.
The Final Sign-Off (2026)
On March 20, 2026, CBS News announced it would shut down CBS News Radio effective May 22, 2026, citing shifting audience habits toward digital platforms and podcasts, along with challenging economic realities. The closure was part of a broader 6% staff reduction.
The final broadcast featured longtime anchors reflecting on the legacy, replaying Edward R. Murrow’s iconic sign-off — “Good night, and good luck” — before Christopher Cruise delivered the network’s last words.
The series finale of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” delivered the program’s highest-rated weeknight episode in its history, attracting 6.74 million viewers on Thursday night, according to early data released by CBS.
The finale significantly outperformed the show’s 2026 first-quarter average of 2.69 million viewers and edged out its series premiere on Sept. 8, 2015, which drew 6.55 million viewers.
For context, the show’s overall most-watched episode remains its post-Super Bowl broadcast on Feb. 7, 2016, which attracted 20.55 million viewers.
Thursday’s episode tripled his usual audience this season, when Mr. Colbert averaged 2.1 million viewers, according to Nielsen. (When delayed viewing is factored in, Mr. Colbert’s audience is roughly 2.7 million viewers.)
The audience on Thursday even eclipsed the 6.2 million viewers who tuned in for Jimmy Kimmel’s return from a suspension in September, one of the most anticipated late-night episodes in recent years.
But in a sign of how much television and late-night have changed over the years, The NY Times reports Thursday’s viewership was nowhere close to the audiences that Jay Leno and David Letterman amassed for their final episodes several years ago. Mr. Leno’s “Tonight Show” finale drew 14.6 million viewers in February 2014, and Mr. Letterman notched 13.7 million in May 2015 for his swan song for “The Late Show.”
CBS canceled “The Late Show” after 33 years, citing financial reasons. However, the timing—coinciding with the network owners’ efforts to build favor with the Trump administration—has prompted questions from fans and observers about the decision.In the emotional final episode, surprise guest Paul McCartney symbolically turned out the lights in the Ed Sullivan Theater, the venue’s longtime home since 1993 and the site of the Beatles’ historic 1964 performance.
The show closed with McCartney and Colbert performing the Beatles’ “Hello, Goodbye,” joined by Elvis Costello, former bandleader Jon Batiste, current bandleader Louis Cato, and staffers dancing across the stage.
Fox News Media criticized a federal appeals court ruling that denies further review in the high-profile case involving investigative journalist Catherine Herridge, reinforcing a lower court order that requires her to disclose information about a confidential source.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit this week rejected Fox News and Herridge’s petition for rehearing or en banc review. This decision upholds the panel’s earlier September 2025 ruling, which affirmed a contempt order against Herridge for refusing to identify her source in a series of 2017 stories.
In a statement, Fox News Media expressed strong opposition to the court’s action, warning that compelling journalists to reveal sources undermines core press freedoms.
Fox News Media Statement:
“The court’s decision denying rehearing in Catherine Herridge’s case is a troubling setback for press freedom and the First Amendment. Forcing journalists to reveal confidential sources undermines the role of a free press and creates a chilling effect on journalism across the country.”
The case stems from a Privacy Act lawsuit filed by Yanping Chen, a Chinese-American scientist. Chen sued after Herridge’s reporting for Fox News cited leaked FBI documents that questioned aspects of her background, including possible ties to China’s military and issues with her immigration forms. No charges were ever filed against Chen following the FBI’s investigation.
Herridge has maintained that revealing her source would violate fundamental journalistic protections. She and Fox News have argued that a reporter’s privilege under the First Amendment should shield confidential sources, particularly in national security and government accountability stories.
The D.C. Circuit panel previously found that any qualified privilege was overcome in this instance because the information was central to Chen’s claims and unavailable through other means. The denial of further review solidifies that position, leaving Herridge facing ongoing contempt sanctions, including potential daily fines.
Herridge, a veteran journalist who departed Fox News in 2024 and also worked CBS News.
Background: The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between press freedoms and individual privacy rights in leak-related litigation. First Amendment advocates have criticized the rulings as a setback for investigative journalism, arguing they could deter whistleblowers from coming forward on matters of public importance. The case continues to draw attention from media organizations and press freedom groups monitoring subpoena battles involving reporters.
Natalie Jansen, a morning radio host at 101.1 WIXX, has obtained a temporary restraining order against former colleague Richard “Otis” Day, citing alleged online harassment involving a fake social media account that posted personal information and photos of her child.
Otis Day, a veteran radio personality known for nearly three decades on the air in Green Bay, is no longer with rival station 95.9 KISS-FM following the filing.
A court hearing on the matter Friday lasted about three hours with Day testifying, and is scheduled to continue on July 17.
Details of the AllegationsCourt documents indicate Jansen filed temporary restraining orders on March 23, 2026, against Day (legal name Richard Dey) and another woman, Emily Chagnon of Marion. The filings stem from an alleged fake social media account that harassed Jansen, invaded her privacy by sharing family photos and personal details, and involved coordination between the respondents.
Jansen, co-host of the “Huggie, Natalie & Corey” morning show on WIXX, previously worked alongside Day for years at the same station. Day had spent 24 years at WIXX before departing in 2022 and joining KISS-FM in late 2023.
Otis Day
95.9 KISS-FM announced Day’s departure in early April 2026 without providing a specific reason at the time, stating that Eddie would join hosts Katie Schurk and Nick Vitrano while the station searches for a new morning show member. WIXX has not publicly commented on the details of the dispute.
Day declined interview requests from local media outlets regarding the restraining order.
The situation highlights ongoing rivalries in the Green Bay radio market. In 2024, several WIXX hosts, including Schurk and Vitrano, moved to KISS-FM, creating direct competition between former colleagues on morning drive-time shows. Day’s departure from WIXX in 2022 and subsequent move added to the local radio shakeup.
A permanent injunction decision remains pending as the case proceeds through Brown County Circuit Court.
Casey Daniels, a longtime radio personality and host of the midday show on 93.1 WIBC-FM in Indianapolis, announced her departure from the station. Her final show was Friday.
Daniels made the announcement during Thursday’s broadcast, stating the decision was entirely her own. She is leaving to relocate to Virginia with her husband, Jim Kehoe, who previously served as communications director for Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith.
“I’m proud and thankful to have been part of such an iconic, legendary station,” Daniels said. “After a defining chapter, I have made the decision to begin a new journey outside of WIBC.”
Daniels joined WIBC in March 2022 as co-host of the “Kendall & Casey” show alongside Rob Kendall. After Kendall’s departure in February 2026, she continued hosting the 9 a.m. to noon slot, often with her husband as a fill-in. Her four-year run at the Radio One News/Talk station included local talk, news, and community engagement.
Before WIBC, Daniels built a 25+ year career in broadcasting. Her previous roles included:
Co-hosting mornings at 98.7 WFGR in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Operations manager positions in Tallahassee, Florida
Programming director and station manager roles in South Bend, Indiana
On-air work in Indianapolis, Detroit, and Lansing
Six years as a host and producer at WSBT-TV in South Bend.
WIBC has not yet announced a permanent replacement for the midday slot.
FOX News Channel (FNC) will present special programming live from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana this weekend for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
On Saturday, May 23rd, FOX & Friends Weekend (weekends, 6-10 AM/ET) will present live coverage of the pre-race events. Throughout the morning, co-hosts Charlie Hurt, Rachel Campos-Duffy and Griff Jenkins will also sit down with defending IndyCar champion Alex Palou, IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward and IndyCar President Doug Boles. Additionally, the hosts will speak with the winning drivers from the Wienie 500 – a race between the six Oscar Meyer Wienermobiles. The program will feature a “Taste of Indianapolis” panel which will spotlight local business owners.
From 12-2 PM/ET, FOX News Live anchor Aishah Hasnie, an Indiana native, will talk to IndyCar driver Conor Daly, Ed Carpenter Racing Co-Owner Ed Carpenter, Ganassi Racing CEO Chip Ganassi as well as IndyCar President Doug Boles and Indiana Governor Mike Braun.
On race day, Sunday, May 24th, FOX & Friends Weekend will again broadcast live from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with guests including four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski, racing legend Jimmie Johnson, NASA astronaut Jeremy Hansen, Freedom 250 Grand Prix Chairman Bud Denker, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Indiana Governor Mike Braun and Wyoming Senator John Barrasso.
FOX Nation will present an all-new special from legendary comedian Jeff Foxworthy titled The Joke’s On Me, set to premiere on Monday, June 1st, announced FOX Nation President Lauren Petterson. Filmed at the Gas South Theatre in Duluth, Georgia, the special offers a heartfelt and hilarious look at Foxworthy’s life, career, and signature comedic style.
In commenting on the special, Petterson said, “Few performers have shaped American comedy quite like Jeff Foxworthy. This special captures the humor audiences have loved for decades while also reflecting on the moments, memories, and experiences that defined his extraordinary career.”
Foxworthy added, “Comedy has always been about finding the funny in everyday life, but people don’t always get to see the work and process behind it. I’m grateful to FOX Nation for understanding the vision I had for this special and giving me the chance to share that journey with the audience.”
Richard "Dick" Frank Lawyer, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Pennsylvania Medical Center in Philadelphia. He was 80.
The AP's Dick Lawyer
A respected journalist and broadcaster, Lawyer dedicated more than four decades to The Associated Press, where he served as Pennsylvania Broadcast Editor from 1972 until his retirement in 2014.
Known for his professionalism and deep commitment to accurate news reporting, he played a key role in shaping broadcast journalism across the state during a distinguished career.
Born in Johnson City, New York, and raised in Binghamton, Lawyer was the son of the late Marie (Espy) and Ronald Lawyer. He graduated from Chenango Valley High School before earning his degree from Houghton College (now Houghton University) in Houghton, New York. He later attended Eastern Baptist Seminary (now Palmer Seminary) in Philadelphia from 1968 to 1970.
Lawyer began his professional career in religious broadcasting, serving as News Director for the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) from 1970 to 1972. He then joined The Associated Press, where he spent the remainder of his working life contributing to high-quality journalism and mentoring generations of broadcast professionals.
➦In 1910...bandleader and clarinetist Artie Shaw, whose real name is Arthur Arshawsky, was born in New York City.
Shaw formed his first orchestra in 1936, and two years later had a double-sided million-seller with ”Begin the Beguine” and ”Indian Love Call.” Shaw is estimated to have sold more than 43- million copies of such records as ”Frenesi,” ”Summit Ridge Drive” and ”Dancing in the Dark.” Artie Shaw was married eight times — two of his wives were Lana Turner and Ava Gardner. Shaw later became an author and a theatrical producer, and again fronted a big band in 1980’s.
Shaw died December 30th, 2004 of natural causes, at age 94.
➦In 1922..the first debate to be heard on US radio was broadcast on WJH in Washington, DC. The two debaters argued about the topic of Daylight Saving Time with the audience acting as the judge.
➦In 1922...Seattle radio station KOL first signed on. The station is now known as KKOL 1330 AM, having surrendered the heritage 3-letter call sign in 1975 when it briefly became KMPS. Today, the station airs ethnic programming.
Wilbur Nelson
➦In 1926...Christian broadcaster, Wilbur Nelson, was born. Best known as host of "The Morning Chapel Hour". He was pioneer religious broadcaster, who founded the nationally syndicated daily radio ministry, The Morning Chapel Hour, in March of 1944. Nelson died August 23, 2003 at age 92.
➦In 1928..1940-50’s pop singer Rosemary Clooney was born in Maysville, Kentucky. While still in high school, she and her younger sister Betty began performing on Cincinnati radio station WLW. Bandleader Tony Pastor heard them, and soon the sisters were singing, in person and on record, with the Pastor orchestra. After Betty tired of the road, Rosemary began a solo career. She signed with Columbia Records, and in 1951 had her first number-one hit, “Come On-A My House.” Her other hits included “Hey There,” “Tenderly” and “This Ole House.”
She died of lung cancer at the age of 74 on June 29th, 2002.
➦In 2005...Baltimore newsman Bob Lopez died from Lung Cancer. He had been part of the WIYY-FM (98 Rock) morning show for 27 years.
Bob Lopez
He was known for his humor, thoughtful opinions, and dogged liberal views.
For the last part of his career, he was part of the "Kirk, Mark & Lopez" or "KML" morning show, along with Kirk McEwen and Mark Ondayko, with whom he worked for seven years. He also hosted the Sunday Lopez, a Sunday morning talk show where he discussed politics and listeners called in to express their views.
Lopez was diagnosed with lung cancer in February 2004, having been a smoker for several decades, starting at age 12. He died at the age of 52.
➦In 2012...Harold Baron Jackson died at age 96 (Born - November 3, 1915). He was a personality and radio executive who broke a number of color barriers in American broadcasting.
iHeartMedia Minneapolis’ 101.3 KDWB announced today the launch of its new morning show, “Falen & Colt,” replacing longtime host Dave Ryan following his retirement.
Falen and Colt will host weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. Falen returns to the morning slot where she previously served as Dave Ryan’s co-host from 2012 to 2023 before moving to afternoons to host her own show. Dave Ryan’s longtime producer and co-host Jenny will stay with the morning program, while current afternoon personality Vont shifts to afternoons.
The move marks a significant milestone for Falen, who becomes the first woman to lead mornings at the iconic station.
“To lead mornings on such an iconic station and become the first woman to hold this role is incredibly special,” Falen said. “From the moment I moved to the Twin Cities, I felt embraced by the listeners here, and I’m so grateful to Rich and the team for believing in me. I also have so much respect for what Dave built over the years and the connection he created with listeners. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather do this with than Colt and Jenny, and we’re excited to create a show listeners genuinely look forward to every morning.”
Rich Davis, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Minneapolis, expressed confidence in the new lineup.
“We knew replacing a legend like Dave Ryan wasn't going to be easy. Luckily for us, we have the perfect person right here in our building,” Davis said. “Falen solidified herself as a true talent during her over 10 years working with Dave. She endeared herself to the Twin Cities and our KDWB audience by being unapologetically herself. Falen and Colt have built quite a show in afternoon drive, and I know our listeners will welcome her back to their morning routine!”
The transition aims to maintain KDWB’s strong connection with its audience while introducing a fresh dynamic to the station’s flagship morning program.
Bob Bronson, a longtime Boston radio personality, has left WROR as part of Beasley Media Group’s cost-cutting early-retirement program.
Bronson, who has spent more than five decades in radio, joined WROR in 2019 alongside co-host Lauren Beckham Falcone after a decade hosting mornings at New York’s 106.7 Lite FM.
He built his early career in Boston at stations including WMEX, WVBF, and WSSH. Lauren Beckham Falcone and show producer Aaron Natti will continue hosting The ROR Morning Show.
Beasley Media Group Boston VP and Market Manager Mary Menna praised Bronson’s contributions:
“Bob Bronson has been a trusted voice in morning radio for generations of listeners,” Menna said. “His warmth, humor, professionalism, and genuine connection with audiences helped make WROR mornings special for so many people throughout Boston and New England. We are incredibly grateful for his many contributions and wish him nothing but happiness and success in this exciting next chapter.”
Bob Bronson
WROR Program Director Scott Morella added"
“Bob has been a memorable part of our listeners’ mornings over the past seven years, bringing charisma, creativity, and humor to the show every day,” Morello said. “We appreciate the connection he shared with our audience and wish him happiness in retirement. LBF and Aaron will continue building on the strong foundation that Bob helped create at WROR.”
In his own statement, Bronson reflected on his career:
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to spend my career doing something I truly love,” Bronson said. “From my early days in Maine and Boston to New York and back home again, radio has given me the opportunity to connect with amazing listeners and work with some incredibly talented people along the way. Returning to Boston and being part of the WROR family — especially working alongside LBF and Aaron every morning — has been incredibly meaningful. I’m grateful to the listeners, my teammates, and everyone at Beasley Media Group for all the memories and support throughout the years.”
The departure is the latest in a series of staff reductions at Beasley Media Group as the company seeks to lower costs. Falcone and Natti are expected to maintain the show’s established morning presence on WROR.
After 99 years as a cornerstone of American broadcast journalism, CBS News Radio will deliver its final newscasts today, marking the end of an era that began in 1927. The service, which once reached millions through top-of-the-hour updates, in-depth reporting, and iconic programs like the CBS World News Roundup, will cease operations as part of broader cost-cutting at CBS News amid shifts toward digital media, podcasts, and social platforms.
CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss and President Tom Cibrowski announced the shutdown in March 2026, notifying staff and approximately 700 affiliated stations. The decision eliminated all radio team positions and was attributed to "challenging economic realities" and evolving listener habits. A special retrospective program highlighting the network’s history is expected as part of the wind-down.
The last regular broadcasts are scheduled for Friday, May 22, with the final newscast reportedly around 10:30 p.m. Central / 11:30 p.m. Eastern. Anchors and correspondents have reflected on the legacy in recent weeks, invoking Edward R. Murrow’s famous sign-off: “Good night, and good luck.” CBS has aired tributes featuring voices from Murrow’s era through modern anchors like Steve Kathan of the World News Roundup.
The shutdown follows a legacy that helped pioneer broadcast journalism, including live multi-city reporting on the 1938 Anschluss and Murrow’s wartime dispatches.
Impact on Affiliates and New Affiliations
Hundreds of stations that relied on CBS for national newscasts, features, and breaking coverage must now transition. Many all-news and news/talk outlets have reassured listeners that local programming will continue uninterrupted, while seeking replacements for network feeds.
On Thursday, Chicago’s all-news station WBBM and 16 other CBS News Radio affiliates owned by Audacy quietly transitioned to ABC News, according to a source familiar with the move.
ABC News programming, including top-of-the-hour updates and breaking news coverage, has now replaced the CBS News content that WBBM and the other stations had carried for decades.
The change took effect Thursday afternoon on WBBM-AM 780 and 105.9 FM, meaning the iconic five-note CBS News Radio sounder aired on Chicago radio for the final time without any special sendoff.
The decision to make the switch a day early was intended to ensure a smooth transition for the 17 Audacy-owned stations, the source said. The abrupt network change has no impact on local newsroom staffing or programming.
Audacy’s existing ABC News affiliates, including 1010 WINS in New York and KYW Newsradio in Philadelphia, will continue their long-standing partnerships with ABC.
CBS News announced in March that it would shut down its radio news service after nearly a century of operation, citing challenging economic conditions and a rapidly evolving media landscape. The network, which had been providing national and international news to roughly 700 stations, will officially cease operations at midnight Friday.
In Chicago, WBBM-AM, acquired by the fledgling CBS Radio Network in 1931, played a significant role in building the national radio news infrastructure that covered major historical events — from World War II and the moon landing to the rise of the digital age that eventually contributed to its decline.
Philadelphia-based Audacy acquired WBBM as part of a large cluster of Chicago stations in the 2017 merger with CBS Radio. The station maintained its affiliation with CBS News Radio for 95 years, right up until the day before the network’s final sign-off.
Kyle Busch, one of the most decorated drivers in NASCAR history, has died, NASCAR announced. He was rushed to the hospital with a severe illness, according to his family, and did not recover.
Busch, 41, was scheduled to compete this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The motorsport legend's family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR released a joint statement sharing the news of his death.
“We are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch," they said.
NASCAR legend Kyle Busch joined Sean Hannity last monthfor a look into the mind of racing’s most polarizing "villain.”
In this exclusive episode of Hang Out with Sean Hannity, the driver known as ‘Rowdy' opens up about why he intentionally created chaos on the track and the real reason he refuses to be friends with his competition.
Busch provided a chilling, second-by-second account of his 2015 Daytona crash, describing the eerie sensation of "slow motion" before a 90G impact that left him with a double compound fracture and a broken foot. Kyle revealed the mental toll of the 2024 season. From his "Hate List" to his early racing days, this conversation explores the adrenaline, the rivalries, and the sheer willpower it takes to remain at the top of the NASCAR Cup Series.
Donald H. Batting, a veteran WBZ NewsRadio reporter known for his street reporting over more than 30 years, died Tuesday after a short illness. He was 94.
“Don Batting: A phenomenal humanist, journalist and man. We were all better for his talents and insights,” said Susan Wornick, a former WCVB-TV reporter who worked with him at WBZ. “And some of us (me) were better just for knowing him.”
Batting joined WBZ in 1965 and covered major Boston and national stories, including the Blizzard of 1978, the Boston Strangler killings, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., and school desegregation in Boston. He also reported on the administrations of Mayors Kevin White, Raymond L. Flynn, and Thomas M. Menino, and interviewed figures such as Malcolm X and the alleged Boston Strangler.
Nicknamed “Batman” at the station, Batting thrived as a street reporter. He covered the Tall Ships events twice, America’s Cup races, and the first riot at the Newport Jazz Festival. His adventures included helping deliver a baby in a Providence bar, being knocked unconscious while covering Vietnam War protesters, and reporting from Revere during the Blizzard of ’78 after being flown in by helicopter.
Stephen Colbert hosted the final episode of CBS’s The Late Show overnight, marking the conclusion of one of television’s longest-running late-night programs amid a dramatic industry-wide ratings collapse.
Analysts say the end of The Late Show reflects broader challenges facing traditional network late-night talk shows, which have struggled with declining viewership for years. The primary cause, experts point to, is intense competition from YouTube, streaming platforms, and podcasts, which offer more convenient, on-demand, and often edgier comedy and commentary tailored to fragmented audiences.
Ratings Freefall
Late-night talk shows, once a staple of network television that drew millions of viewers nightly, have seen sharp audience declines across the board. The Late Show and its competitors — including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel Live! — have lost significant portions of their traditional linear TV audience as younger viewers increasingly turn away from scheduled broadcasts.
The shift has accelerated since the rise of digital media. YouTube creators and podcast hosts can produce content quickly, release it instantly, and reach global audiences without the constraints of network standards, advertisers, or broadcast schedules. Short-form comedy clips, political commentary, and interview-style podcasts now dominate where appointment television once ruled.
U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) plan to introduce legislation that would block the Pentagon from censoring the independent military newspaper Stars and Stripes, require a civilian publisher, and guarantee the outlet access to certain military events otherwise closed to the general press, according to a report by Semafor’s Max Tani.
The bill directly targets recent Defense Department efforts to tighten control over Stars and Stripes editorial content and operations. It would prohibit censorship of stories except in cases where publication could endanger service members’ lives. The measure aims to restore the newspaper’s traditional independence after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth moved to impose broader restrictions on journalists’ access to the Pentagon.
CBS Radio Signs-Off: After 99 years as a cornerstone of American broadcast journalism, CBS News Radio will deliver its final newscasts today, marking the end of an era that began in 1927. The service, which once reached millions through top-of-the-hour updates, in-depth reporting, and iconic programs like the CBS World News Roundup, will cease operations as part of broader cost-cutting at CBS News.
AM Radio Act Gains Mo: The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act gains fresh momentum toward passage as lawmakers embed its core provisions into a broader vehicle safety and modernization package. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce voted to incorporate the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act into Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY)’s H.R. 7389, the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026.
The Prep Begins: Country Radio Broadcasters has named the leaders and members of its Agenda Committee for the 2026-2027 Country Radio Seminar (CRS) yea
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act gains fresh momentum toward passage as lawmakers embed its core provisions into a broader vehicle safety and modernization package.
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce voted to incorporate the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act into Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY)’s H.R. 7389, the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026.
This strategic move provides the popular, bipartisan measure — which requires new passenger vehicles to include AM radio as standard equipment — with a stronger procedural vehicle for reaching the House floor.
AM radio serves as a critical lifeline for emergency alerts, local news, weather warnings, and public safety information, especially in rural areas and during disasters when cellular and internet services may fail. The legislation addresses automakers’ trend of dropping AM receivers from new vehicles to cut costs, a move that has raised alarms among broadcasters, emergency managers, and millions of drivers who rely on it. The bill, originally H.R. 979, has drawn overwhelming bipartisan support with hundreds of cosponsors in the House.
By folding the AM provisions into H.R. 7389, the committee advances the mandate alongside updates to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) programs, self-driving vehicle regulations, and other automotive safety and innovation measures.
This bundling increases the bill’s viability by attaching it to must-pass transportation and safety priorities.
Broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS) delivered solid primetime viewership during the week of May 11-17, 2026, driven by established procedurals, reality hits, news programs, and NBA playoff coverage amid the late-season schedule.
CBS led with strong scripted and news programming. Top performers included Tracker (around 7.4 million viewers), Marshals (similarly high at ~7.4 million), 60 Minutes, and Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage (over 5.7 million). Other CBS standouts like FBI, Survivor, Ghosts, and NCIS variants drew consistent audiences in the 4-5 million range. CBS maintained its reputation for reliable multi-episode procedural blocks and Sunday staples.
ABC performed competitively, boosted by news dominance and reality. ABC World News Tonight episodes topped the overall charts with 7.7-8.5 million viewers. American Idol drew around 5.7 million, while procedurals like 9-1-1, Will Trent, The Rookie, and Grey's Anatomy (finale surge) contributed in the 2.5-4.5 million range. NBA-related programming and Shark Tank added further support.
NBC relied on sports and drama strength. NBA Playoffs games (e.g., Cavaliers vs. Pistons) pulled 5-6.5 million viewers. Chicago franchise shows (Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D.) averaged 4-5.5 million. Saturday Night Live and Dateline also contributed notably, though overall entertainment slate trailed CBS/ABC in some non-sports slots.
Cable channels saw Fox News Channel dominate primetime, with talk shows like The Five (episodes averaging 3.0-3.6 million viewers) and Jesse Watters Primetime leading cable charts. Other FNC programs such as Hannity and Gutfeld! also ranked high.
ESPN benefited from NBA Playoffs (conference semis around 5.2 million for key games). TNT carried NHL playoffs with more modest numbers (1.6+ million).
Non-news cable (e.g., HGTV, History, USA) drew lower but steady audiences for originals and repeats in the 1-1.5 million range.
Cable news continued its pattern of polarization, with Fox News far outpacing others in total viewers. Overall cable viewership remained secondary to broadcast for big-tent programs but provided targeted strength in sports and opinion programming.
These figures reflect Nielsen live + same-day (Big Data + Panel) measurements. Final multi-platform totals (including DVR/streaming) would typically be higher.
Spotify on Thursday announced a major roadmap focused on accelerating growth and profitability through the end of the decade, centered on new AI-powered features and a groundbreaking partnership with Universal Music Group.
The Swedish audio streaming leader introduced several new offerings, including “Reserved,” which allows eligible Premium subscribers to purchase up to two concert tickets for their favorite artists before general sale, and “Personal Podcasts,” an AI tool that creates custom podcasts based on user prompts.
Netflix will begin streaming “The Breakfast Club” live every weekday starting June 1, marking its first daily live program.
The streaming service announced Thursday that the influential iHeartMedia morning show, co-hosted by Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy and Jess Hilarious, will air live on Netflix. The move represents a significant step in Netflix’s effort to evolve into a destination for live television-style programming.
Under the expanded deal, the Netflix version will differ from the radio broadcast on Power 105.1 and Premiere Networks by filling commercial breaks with exclusive bonus segments, behind-the-scenes moments, extended discussions and original content for an uninterrupted experience.
The initiative builds on a December agreement that made Netflix the exclusive streaming home for video episodes of the show after its live radio broadcast.
Cumulus Media announces that Detroit News/Talk station 760 WJR-AM has been named Commercial Station of the Year by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB), marking the 9th consecutive year that 760 WJR has taken Station of the Year honors.
The station has been honored as the top commercial station in Michigan for 28 of the last 32 years.
This year, 760 WJR also received 11 MAB Broadcast Excellence “Best” Awards and 10 “Merit” Awards, taking home “Best” Awards in categories including Breaking News Story, Continuing Coverage, Features Programming, Feature Story, Investigative Story, Mini-Documentary or Series, OTT Content, Play-by-Play Sports, Special Show Broadcast Personality or Team, Sports Feature or Series, and Station Promos.
