Get The Scoop: The Pulse Has It For Wednesday, May 27

Radio Broadcasting

What's Going On In Charlotte? Two Morning Shows are exiting...Beasley Media Group announces that longtime WSOC-FM Charlotte morning personalities Rob Tanner, Catherine Lane, and Chris Allen will retire and step away from the "Tanner in the Morning Show” following an extraordinary 22-year run. Also, Longtime Charlotte radio hosts Matt Harris and Liz Luda are signing off The Morning Mix on Mix 100.9.

iHM MM Retires: iHeartMedia Mansfield, home to seven radio stations, and iHeartMedia Marion, home to three stations, announced Monday that longtime market President Margie Tasseff will retire, effective June 1, concluding a nearly 40-year career with the company and a lasting legacy across the Ohio communities.

RAB Makes Appointment: The RAB has named Sabina Widmann executive vice president. Widmann will oversee member engagement and success, with a primary focus on broadcaster initiatives, enhancing member services, and expanding offerings as the organization aligns resources to meet the evolving needs of the radio industry.

Media Industry

New CEO: TEGNA Inc. has appointed Patrick Paolini as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1. Paolini, a longtime Fox Television Stations executive, will oversee the company’s daily operations, revenue-generating strategies, local journalism and production, and growth initiatives. 

More Viewers For CBS: Tony Dokoupil’s “CBS Evening News” climbed above 4 million viewers for the week ended May 22, the first time the program has reached that level in weeks, according to Nielsen data. The newscast averaged a little more than 4 million total viewers and 605,000 in the key 25-54 advertiser demographic. That’s up from about 3.8 million viewers and 482,000 in the demo the previous week.

Index Podcast Ranker Launches: Just released online on X, a new Podcast Ranking of the more popular podcasts in the news and commentary genre.  The ranker is the creation of RoadMN, the indefatigable and independent tweeter known creator known for his relentless dives into ratings, data, and political skullduggery. The very first Podcasts Index™ for the 'news' (& commentary) category was released Tuesday.

U-S News

Trump's Guy Wins: State Attorney General Ken Paxton clinched the Texas Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, defeating longtime Sen. John Cornyn in a primary runoff as President Trump’s last-minute endorsement of Paxton helped lift another MAGA firebrand. With 80% of the vote counted, Paxton had 64% to Cornyn’s 36%.

Trump Wants NDAs: The Trump administration wants to roll out a uniform nondisclosure agreement across the federal government that would bar employees from sharing internal government information, citing the need to stop leaks to media organizations.

Top Cop Quits: The Minneapolis police chief, Brian O’Hara, who drew national attention for taking the reins of a department reeling after the murder of George Floyd, resigned on Tuesday after a personnel investigation into his conduct, the city announced.

Charlotte Radio: The Tanner In the Morning Show Exits WSOC

Beasley Media Group announces that longtime WSOC-FM Charlotte morning personalities Rob Tanner, Catherine Lane, and Chris Allen will retire and step away from their day-to-day roles on the station’s beloved “Tanner in the Morning Show” following an extraordinary 22-year run entertaining and connecting with listeners across the Carolinas. 

The show’s official last day on the air is set for Friday, June 19th.

For over two decades, the trio has helped wake up the region with laughter, country music, and heartfelt conversations that became part of listeners’ daily routines. Their chemistry, authenticity, and deep connection to the community helped make the show one of Charlotte’s most recognizable and enduring morning brands.

“Tanner, Catherine, and Chris have been an important part of the fabric of Country 103.7 and the Charlotte area since the very beginning,” said Mac Edwards, Vice President and Market Manager of Beasley Media Group Charlotte. “They created a show that listeners welcomed into their homes, cars, and lives every morning. With over 18 ACM and CMA nominations, their impact on the station, the market and Country Music has been tremendous. We are incredibly grateful for the humor, warmth and audience connection that made every day listening to “Tanner in the Morning” brighter. We wish each of them nothing but happiness and contentment in retirement.”

“Few morning shows create the kind of lasting connection and loyalty that this team built with listeners across the Carolinas,” said Justin Chase, Chief Content Officer at Beasley Media Group. “Their genuine energy, natural chemistry, and strong connection with the community made mornings on WSOC-FM feel truly unforgettable. We are thankful for their many contributions to the station and the company and wish them continued success as they each begin exciting new chapters.”

“For over two decades, Tanner, Catherine, and Chris brought energy, laughter, conversation, and authenticity to every broadcast, and their impact on this station and our listeners cannot be overstated,” said Program Director Cameron Moore. “What began as a radio show all those years ago has become a daily tradition shared with generations of listeners. On behalf of the station, I am so grateful for the memories they created, and the incredible legacy that they leave behind.”

Rob Tanner reflected on his time with the station by saying, “It’s hard to put into words what these past 22 years have meant to me. Being part of the lives of our listeners every morning has truly been a privilege. I will miss hanging out with Catherine, Chris, and Capt. Jim. Truly, three of my best friends. We are proud to be the longest running and most successful morning show in the history of WSOC-FM. Charlotte and the Carolinas welcomed us like family, and I’ll always be grateful for the friendships, memories, and incredible experiences along the way. I’m excited for what’s ahead and thankful to everyone who has supported us throughout this crazy journey.”

Charlotte Radio: Matt And Liz Leaving The Morning Mix

Longtime Charlotte radio hosts Matt Harris and Liz Luda are signing off The Morning Mix on Mix 100.9, ending the show’s run on local airwaves after a station sale.

Harris, co-host of the program, announced the news Wednesday, citing the recent sale of the station as the reason for the departure. “No shade toward the current company,” Harris posted on social media. “They sold the station. What are you going to do?”

The Mix was sold earlier this year by Radio One to the Bible Broadcasting Network, which owns the 100.9 frequency and operates it under the call letters WYFQ.

Harris has been a fixture in Charlotte radio since 2001. He previously co-hosted the popular Matt and Ramona show with Ramona Holloway until her departure in 2023. Luda joined the program afterward and has co-hosted alongside Harris ever since.

Matt and Liz

Luda expressed deep personal disappointment over the end of the broadcast.

“I am sad. I grew up in Charlotte... This is a radio station I grew up listening to,” she said. “It’s not only sad to be losing my job, but it’s also sad because this has been the background soundtrack of my life.”

Despite leaving terrestrial radio, Harris confirmed the duo plans to continue The Morning Mix in a podcast format. He encouraged listeners to follow him on social media for updates and details on the new platform.

The conclusion of the show marks the end of a decades-long era for Harris on Charlotte’s airwaves and brings to a close a popular morning program that had been part of listeners’ daily routines for years.

Tegna Names New CEO

TEGNA Inc. has appointed Patrick Paolini as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1. Paolini, a longtime Fox Television Stations executive, will oversee the company’s daily operations, revenue-generating strategies, local journalism and production, and growth initiatives. 

He will report directly to TEGNA’s Board of Directors.

The move comes after former CEO Mike Steib stepped down in March, shortly following Nexstar Media Group’s announcement of its $6.2 billion acquisition of TEGNA. The merger closed but remains in legal limbo due to ongoing antitrust challenges and a court order blocking full integration of TEGNA’s operations.

TV Ratings: CBS Evening News Bounces Back

Tony Dokoupil’s “CBS Evening News” climbed above 4 million viewers for the week ended May 22, the first time the program has reached that level in weeks, according to Nielsen data.

The newscast averaged a little more than 4 million total viewers and 605,000 in the key 25-54 advertiser demographic. That’s up from about 3.8 million viewers and 482,000 in the demo the previous week.

While “CBS Evening News” remains a distant third behind its competitors, the gains mark a positive sign for Dokoupil, who has faced intense scrutiny since taking over as anchor in early January.

ABC’s “World News Tonight” continues to dominate with nearly 8.2 million viewers and 966,000 in the 25-54 demo. NBC’s “NBC Nightly News” drew nearly 6.1 million viewers and 867,000 in the demo.

The 4-million-viewer mark has been viewed as a key benchmark in recent months. Prior to Dokoupil’s arrival, CBS experimented with a dual-anchor format featuring Maurice DuBois and John Dickerson. That version frequently fell below 4 million viewers and lost audience as NBC transitioned to a new anchor.

Ohio Radio: Longtime iHM Market President Retires

iHeartMedia Mansfield, home to seven radio stations, and iHeartMedia Marion, home to three stations, announced Monday that longtime market President Margie Tasseff will retire, effective June 1, concluding a nearly 40-year career with the company and a lasting legacy across the Ohio communities.

Tasseff played a pivotal role in the growth and success of iHeartMedia Mansfield and Marion, helping shape the market through her leadership, deep community relationships and unwavering commitment to local broadcasting.

She has served as market president of Mansfield for the past 15 years, leading the market through periods of transformation and growth while championing local programming, partnerships and charitable initiatives that made a meaningful impact across the region.

“Margie’s passion for this business, her commitment to the Mansfield and Marion communities and the relationships she built over nearly four decades have left an incredible mark on our company and everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her,” said Matt Bell, iHeartMedia area president.

College Station Radio: WTAW's Scott DeLucia Retires After 59-Years

Scott DeLucia, the longtime host of WTAW’s “The Infomaniacs,” announced his retirement Tuesday morning during his show.

His final broadcast will air June 5, ending a nearly 60-year radio career spent almost entirely in the Brazos Valley.DeLucia, 75, made the announcement live on air, consistent with how he has conducted his career. 

He started in radio at age 17 and spent the vast majority of his professional life with Bryan Broadcasting, aside from a short stint in television.

For DeLucia, the appeal of local radio has always centered on community connection. “I think it’s all about local,” he said. “This is a locally owned radio station, the owner is right down the hall from me, and that’s good because those owners pay the same taxes, go through the same situations that we do.”

That philosophy defined “The Infomaniacs.” The show began as a two-person program called “The Muck & Meyer Show” and grew into a three-person morning staple. For nearly 25 years, DeLucia featured Bryan or College Station’s mayor on the air every week — live and unedited.

“In media, you have to edit quite often,” he said. “We tried very hard not to.”

Bryan Broadcasting owner and CEO Bill Hicks, who has known DeLucia most of his life, called him more of a friend and associate than an employee.

Just Released: The Podcast Index Ranker

Just released online on X, a new Podcast Ranking of the more popular podcasts in the news and commentary genre.  The ranker is the creation of RoadMN, the indefatigable and independent tweeter known creator known for his relentless dives into ratings, data, and political skullduggery.

The very first Podcasts Index™ for the 'news' (& commentary) category was released Tuesday.

It wasn't just another list. It was a weighted ranking that cut through the noise of fragmented platforms—Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music—factoring in each provider's real market share. 

Spotify's massive 31.7% slice got the heaviest weight, followed by Apple's 12.6% and Amazon's 11.1%. 

The unknown 44.6%? Left out entirely for purity. Only shows cracking the top 50 on all three charts made the cut. 

Transparent. Methodical. Pure RoadMN. The internet took notice immediately:

The Debut List That Sparked Debate:  At the top sat The Daily from The New York Times, a polished, daily deep dive that dominated Apple and held strong elsewhere. NPR's Up First claimed silver, while Tucker Carlson's independent juggernaut roared into third—proving once again that a sharp voice and direct-to-audience model could punch far above traditional gatekeepers.

RAB Appoints New Executive Vice President

The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) has named Sabina Widmann executive vice president. Widmann will oversee member engagement and success, with a primary focus on broadcaster initiatives, enhancing member services, and expanding offerings as the organization aligns resources to meet the evolving needs of the radio industry.

Widmann brings more than 20 years of experience in radio, media sales, multicultural marketing, and business development. She has deep expertise in helping brands connect with Latino audiences through audio and media strategies. Most recently, she held leadership roles at TelevisaUnivision, where she developed integrated marketing solutions across broadcast, digital, and audio platforms and gained extensive insight into Latino consumer behavior and market dynamics.

Radio History: May 27

➦In 1933...Future Canadian media mogul Ted Rogers Jr. was born in Toronto.  He founded his company in 1960 with Toronto radio station CHFI and built it into Canada’s largest wireless, cable and media company. He died from congestive heart failure Dec. 2 2008 at age 75.

➦In 1951…The radio serial "Wild Bill Hickock" began on the Mutual Radio network. Guy Madison and Andy Devine starred on both the radio and syndicated TV versions.

➦In 1957...1050 CHUM-AM became Canada's first Top 40 radio station.

The CHUM Building at 1331 Yonge St., Toronto was the home of 1050 CHUM from 1959 until 2009

Elvis Presley's "All Shook Up" was the first song played. "1050 CHUM" pioneered rock and roll radio in Toronto, and was noteworthy for hosting many noteworthy rock concerts including, among others, visits to Maple Leaf Gardens by Elvis Presley (1957) and The Beatles (1964, '65, and '66).

In the late 1950s, CHUM was calling itself "Radio One", as its ratings continued to increase. An important part of CHUM's success was the station's unpredictable morning man Al Boliska, who joined CHUM in October 1957, after working at station CKLC in Kingston, Ontario.

By 1959, Boliska had made a name for himself as a disc jockey who got listeners talking. He also made them laugh, and became known for telling what he called the "World's Worst Jokes".

Boliska also did a number of stunts, such as taking part in a professional wrestling match with Whipper Billy Watson. When he lost, that led to another stunt, where Boliska stayed away from his show for several days, saying he was now too discouraged by the loss to do his show. A hypnotist was called in, and Boliska's self-esteem was restored.

Boliska left CHUM in late 1963 to go 'across the street' to CKEY. He was replaced by WKBW Buffalo radio & TV personality Jay Nelson, popularly known as "Jungle Jay" from his role as host of a children's show on Buffalo's Channel 7 which was also popular among Toronto youngsters. He would be followed by housewives' jock John Spragge; singer/DJ Mike Darow; Pete Nordheimer, replaced in 1961 by Bob McAdorey, teen DJ Dave Johnson, and all night DJ Bob Laine. Later additions to the CHUM DJ lineup included Duff Roman and Brian Skinner, both of whom came from rival Toronto rocker CKEY (then owned by Jack Kent Cooke).

(Courtesy of the Rock Radio Scrapbook, Click Here for  an early aircheck of 1050 CHUM from July 17, 1957.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, CHUM DJs included Duke Roberts (also known as Gary Duke for a time), Johnny Mitchell (better known today as Sonny Fox), J. Michael Wilson, Tom Rivers, Scott Carpenter, Jim Van Horne, John Rode, Don Reagan, John Majhor, Mike Cooper, Daryl B, Terry Steele, Mike Holland and Roger Ashby. Among their later night-time hosts was J. D. Roberts, who joined CHUM for a time in 1977, eventually becoming known across North America as White House correspondent for CBS News, then the co-anchor of CNN's morning program American Morning. Rick Moranis, later famous for his work on SCTV and Ghostbusters, was briefly a late-night CHUM DJ in the mid-seventies under the name "Rick Allan".

CHUM became well known for its zany contests. In the 1950's and '60's, it was contests such as 'The Walking Man', where listeners had to spot CHUM's mystery walking man using only clues given out on the air. The 1970s' "I Listen to CHUM" promotion had DJs dialing phone numbers at random and awarding $1,000 to anyone who answered the phone with that phrase. In 1976, there was the CHUM Starsign promotion. Listeners wore a button featuring their astrological sign. If CHUM's 'Starsign spotter' saw you wearing your Starsign, you won prizes such as money or concert tickets to major events.

The CHUM Chart was, for many years, the most influential weekly Top 40 chart in Canada and has been hailed as the longest-running continuously published radio station record survey in North America. The first CHUM Chart was released on May 27, 1957, with Elvis Presley's "All Shook Up" the first Number 1 song.

1050 CHUM aired Top 40 from 1957 to 1986.  Today, 1050 CHUM airs Sports Talk.

CBS News Pivots From Radio Newscasts to Audio

CBS News Radio aired the final edition of its iconic “World News Roundup” Thursday nighty, closing a program that began in 1938 as a victim of budget cuts at parent company Paramount.

Anchor Steve Kathan delivered the sign-off from a dimly lit studio at the CBS Broadcast Center in Manhattan, noting the program’s historic debut on March 13, 1938. He played a recording of Edward R. Murrow’s closing words from that first broadcast: “the best in radio reporting is yet to be — good night and good luck.”

Twin Cities Radio: Co-Host Let Go as Dave Ryan Exits KDWB

As longtime morning host Dave Ryan wraps up his 33-year career at 101.3 KDWB, the station is undergoing a major lineup overhaul that includes the departure of his co-host Bailey J. Hess.

According to Bring Me The News, Hess confirmed Saturday night on Facebook that she was let go following Friday’s final show with Ryan.

“I’ve had a lot of people asking about what’s in store for me at KDWB,” Hess wrote. “I am sad to say that after the show yesterday, I was let go.”

'Comic Unleashed" Takes Over Colbert Time Slot

Media mogul Byron Allen’s long-running comedy roundtable Comics Unleashed has replaced Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show in the prestigious 11:35 p.m. slot on CBS, fulfilling a 51-year personal goal for Allen.

In a wide-ranging NPR Newsmakers interview, Allen expressed excitement about the opportunity but made clear he has no plans to alter his established formula to chase Colbert’s former audience of more than 2.5 million viewers per episode.

No changes, no controversy, no corporate boundaries

FCC Opens Public Comment On ABC's 'The View'

The FCC has launched a formal public comment period to determine whether ABC’s daytime talk show The View meets the legal definition of a “bona fide news program,” which would exempt it from longstanding equal time obligations for political candidates.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced the proceeding on Friday. Comments are due by June 22, with reply comments accepted until July 6.

Welcome Back: Recharge With the Pulse For Tuesday, May 26

Radio Broadcasting

Ownerships Killing Radio: The National Association of Broadcasters has reiterated its call for the FCC to update outdated radio ownership caps, arguing that today's broadcasters compete primarily against unregulated streaming services and digital giants rather than other radio stations.

CBS News Audio Pivots: CBS plans to stay in audio journalism through podcasts rather than traditional newscasts. The company is developing “a whole bunch of different things that are less news reading and more other things.”

Dave Ryan's CoHost Fired: As longtime morning host Dave Ryan wraps up his 33-year career at 101.3 KDWB, the station is undergoing a major lineup overhaul that includes the departure of his co-host Bailey J. Hess.

NAB Tells FCC Ownerships Caps Are Unsustainable

The National Association of Broadcasters has reiterated its call for the FCC to update outdated radio ownership caps, arguing that today's broadcasters compete primarily against unregulated streaming services and digital giants rather than other radio stations.

In comments filed in the FCC’s biennial communications marketplace review (GN Docket No. 26-78), the NAB says the current rules place radio on a “playing field fundamentally tilted against them.” 

Broadcasters remain subject to strict ownership limits and regulations while facing largely unregulated competitors for listeners and advertising dollars. The group urges the Commission to relax local radio ownership restrictions to help level the competitive landscape.

AMAs: BTS Artists of the Year

BTS won Artist of the Year at the 52nd American Music Awards, marking a triumphant return to the stage after four years and leading a night of fan-voted triumphs at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Hosted by Queen Latifah and broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+, the show highlighted commercial success through public voting, with BTS also claiming Song of the Summer and Best Male K-Pop Artist. 

🎵WINNERS LIST:  HERE

Other multiple winners included Sabrina Carpenter (Album of the Year for Man’s Best Friend), Cardi B, KATSEYE (New Artist of the Year), and SOMBR.

NYC Radio: Eddie Scozzare Signs Off After 37 Years at WFAN

Eddie Scozzare, the longtime producer and board operator for Audacy’s WFAN morning drive, officially ended his 37-year career on Friday, signing off in front of fans, colleagues, and cameras during the station’s “Kickoff to Summer” celebration in Belmar, New Jersey.

The 47-year-old Scozzare was celebrated by the station, its current morning show Boomer and Gio, and loyal listeners who gathered for the event. A true WFAN lifer, he became one of the few behind-the-scenes figures to build a genuine on-air connection with the audience through his quick wit, perfectly timed drops, and endless supply of trivia.

Late Night Comedy Shifts Platforms

Stephen Colbert’s departure from CBS’s The Late Show marks the potential close of a historic franchise, yet the broader late-night comedy tradition has shifted online rather than disappearing.

Reuters reports Podcasts now offer comedians creative freedom, larger audiences, and stronger economics compared to traditional television. Former late-night hosts like Conan O’Brien, Chelsea Handler, and Samantha Bee have built successful second acts, joined by stars such as Amy Poehler, Theo Von, and rising talents like Kareem Rahma, whose subway celebrity interviews have gone viral.

Consumer Sentiment Hits All-Time Low

Consumer confidence in the United States has plunged to the lowest level ever recorded in more than 70 years of tracking, according to the University of Michigan’s latest index released Friday.

The sharp decline comes as Americans grapple with persistently high prices, a softening labor market, and rising energy costs triggered by the Iran war that began at the end of February. The reading fell 10% below the previous record low set in June 2022, when inflation was at its highest level in decades.