Detroit Radio: WJR's Lloyd Jackson Named People Mover Voice

Cumulus Media announces that Lloyd Jackson, Co-Host of JR in the Morning on WJR 760 AM Detroit, has been named the official voice of the Detroit People Mover, the city of Detroit’s elevated public transportation system. As the People Mover celebrates its 38th anniversary, Jackson becomes the first new voice for the system’s on-board station announcements in over 30 years.

Lloyd Jackson

A local radio icon heard on News Talk WJR 760 AM weekday mornings from 6:00am-9:00am, Jackson’s familiar and trusted voice will now greet thousands of riders daily, both on the trains and from the station platforms. In addition to station announcements, Jackson will also be heard on a series of welcome messages, greeting riders from the station platforms. The honor is a testament to Jackson’s brilliant career, his deep roots in Detroit, and the respect he has earned as a journalist and broadcaster.

Robert Cramer, CEO of the Detroit Transportation Corporation and City of Detroit’s Executive Director of Transit, describes the collaboration as another upgrade to enhance what people experience while on the People Mover. Cramer said: “When we thought about an unforgettable voice that truly embodies and embraces Detroit, Lloyd’s was at the top of the list. His presence on the radio and ours in public transportation share more than just longevity— each moves the city forward with pride in our community and with a purposeful mission. Having Lloyd on board brings together two pillars of Detroit’s history, creating something special for residents and visitors alike.”

Steve Finateri, Regional Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Detroit and Ann Arbor, commented: “Lloyd Jackson becoming the official voice of the Detroit People Mover is a tremendous honor—not just for Lloyd, but for all of us at WJR Radio. Lloyd’s voice is iconic in this city.

Jackson is an award-winning journalist and news host. While at WJR 760 AM, he received honors from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, the Associated Press, and the Society of Professional
Journalists. Sharing in the spirit of the city he’s represented so powerfully throughout a media career spanning three decades, Jackson is proud to be a part of riders’ lives in a different way.

“I grew up in Detroit and this is my town,” said Jackson. “I can’t wait for my grandkids to hear me – it’s a legacy thing.”

The Detroit People Mover – the city’s fast, frequent and FREE automated transit system – connects key locations and public transportation throughout the downtown Central Business District, and provides efficient public transportation for residents, commuters, and visitors. For more information, visit: https://www.thepeoplemover.com/.

To stream WJR 760 AM, visit: https://www.wjr.com/.

R.I.P.: George Kooymans, Frontman, Co-Founder Of Golden Earring

George Kooymans  (1948-2025)

George Kooymans, the guitarist, vocalist, and co-founder of the Dutch rock band Golden Earring, passed away on July 23, 2025, at the age of 77 in Rijkevorsel, Netherlands. 

His death was attributed to complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative muscle disease he was diagnosed with in 2020. 

Following his diagnosis, Kooymans retired from the band in 2021, leading to Golden Earring’s disbandment after a 50-year career. His family and bandmates announced his passing, with a statement noting, “We say goodbye to a great musician and composer whose work extended beyond Golden Earring. George was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, but above all, a friend.” The statement highlighted his strength and dignity in facing ALS. Drummer Cesar Zuiderwijk reflected, “I played with him for 50 years, and it was the best time of my life.”

Kooymans co-founded Golden Earring in 1961 with bassist Rinus Gerritsen in The Hague, initially naming the band The Tornados before adopting the name Golden Earring, inspired by an instrumental by the British group The Hunters. 

The band achieved international fame with hits like “Radar Love” (1973), which reached No. 13 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and was covered by artists like U2 and R.E.M., and “Twilight Zone” (1982), which hit No. 10 in the U.S. with the aid of an MTV video. Rolling Stone praised “Radar Love” as one of the greatest road trip songs for its iconic opening line, “I’ve been driving all night, my hands wet on the wheel.” 

The band, known for its classic lineup including Zuiderwijk and singer Barry Hay, released over 25 albums and had more than 20 top 10 singles in the Netherlands, cementing their status as the country’s most successful rock act.

Radio History: July 25

Hal Peary

➦In 1908...Harold (Hal) Peary born in San Leanadro, CA (Died at age 76 – March 30, 1985). He was an actor, comedian and singer in radio, films, television, and animation remembered best as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, a supporting character on radio's Fibber McGee and Molly that moved to its own NBC radio hit, The Great Gildersleeve, the first known spinoff hit in American broadcasting history.

Born as José Pereira de Faria in San Leandro, California, to Portuguese parents, Harold Peary (pronounced "Perry") began working in local radio as early as 1923, according to his own memory, and had his own show as a singer, The Spanish Serenader, in San Francisco, but moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1937. While in San Francisco, he also had "several parts" in Wheatenaville, a program broadcast on NBC's Pacific network beginning September 26, 1932

Peary worked as a disc jockey at radio station WMGM 1050 AM in New York City. Beginning in 1953, he had a one-hour program Monday-Saturday.

➦In 1922...AT&T Western Electric began broadcasting WBAY New York City, the predecessor of WEAF, WNBC, WRCA and the current WFAN.  AT&T broadcast assets within a few years were early NBC properties.

➦In 1925...2XAG (now WGY 810 AM) in Schenectady, NY became the first radio station in the U.S. to broadcast with a 50,000-watt transmitter.

Birthday Boy Scott Shannon with mini-Scott (2018)

➦In 1947...Radio personality-programmer Michael Scott Shannon was born.  He retired December 2022 as morning host at Audacy's Classic Hits WCBS 101.1 FM in New York City. He has also worked for WHTZ, WPLJ, The True Oldies Channel, and he has been the voice for the syndicated Sean Hannity Show.

He began his radio career during an Army stint at WFBS 1450 AM in Spring Lake, North Carolina (later WFBX). From there he moved to WCLS 1580 AM in Columbus, Georgia. After leaving the army, Shannon worked full-time in radio at WABB in Mobile, Alabama, where he acquired the name Super Shan.  After a brief stint at WMPS in Memphis he moved to Nashville, where he was the evening disc jockey at WMAK 1300 AM, later becoming that station's program director.

Shannon left Nashville to take a job as a record promoter with Casablanca Records.  Scott returned to radio in Washington, D.C. as program director of WPGC 95.5 FM, taking that station to the #1 spot in the Arbitron ratings. From there, he moved to WQXI 790 AM in Atlanta. Then, in Tampa, Florida, Scott, along with partner Cleveland Wheeler, he developed the 'morning zoo' radio format while at WRBQ 104.7 FM Q105.

Shannon is particularly known within the radio broadcasting industry for his work on WHTZ 100.3 FM Z100 in New York City in the mid to late 1980's. Along with former disc jockey Ross Brittain of WABC's "Ross & Wilson Show", he founded the "Z Morning Zoo." He was the driving force in helping Z100 go from worst-to-first in New York City within a mere 74 days of signing on the air.

R.I.P.: Iconic Wrestling Personality Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan, whose vibrant charisma and larger-than-life presence turned professional wrestling from a regional, low-budget spectacle into a global multibillion-dollar phenomenon, has died at 71.

World Wrestling Entertainment confirmed his passing in an email on Thursday, July 24, 2025, providing no further details.

Post-wrestling, Hogan stayed in the public eye, notably in 2024, when he energized the Republican National Convention by tearing off his shirt to reveal a Trump/Vance shirt beneath.

For decades, Hogan defined wrestling with his blond hair, horseshoe mustache, colorful bandannas, and self-dubbed “24-inch pythons”—his massive biceps.

Born Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, his father, Peter, was a construction foreman, and his mother, Ruth (Moody) Bollea, was a dance teacher. He briefly attended the University of South Florida but left to pursue wrestling.

Medics were dispatched to #HulkHogan's Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning ... with operators stating it was regarding a "cardiac arrest."

🔉: Pinellas County Fire and EMS pic.twitter.com/6Gzrmq5tWt

— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) July 24, 2025

Hogan began his wrestling career in 1977. A towering figure at 6-foot-8 and 300 pounds in his prime, he contributed to the sport’s trend toward larger athletes.

Inspired by comparisons to the muscular comic book character from the CBS show The Incredible Hulk, he adopted the name “Hulk.” 

By 1979, he joined the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE), taking the surname Hogan for its alliterative appeal.

R.I.P. Chuck Mangione, Jazz Musician

Chuck Mangione (1941-2025)

Chuck Mangione, the renowned jazz musician known for his work as a flugelhorn and trumpet player, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the age of 84. 

He died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Rochester, New York, with the cause of death attributed to natural causes, according to his manager and family statements. 

Mangione was celebrated for his 1978 hit single “Feels So Good,” which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the most successful jazz records of all time. 

His career spanned over 60 years, during which he released more than 30 albums, earned 14 Grammy nominations, and won two Grammy Awards: one in 1977 for Best Instrumental Composition for “Bellavia” and another in 1979 for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “Children of Sanchez.” 

Mangione’s music also featured prominently in the 1976 Summer Olympics with “Chase the Clouds Away” and the 1980 Winter Olympics with “Give It All You Got.” 

Beyond his musical achievements, he was known for his recurring role on the animated series King of the Hill, where he voiced himself. His family requested privacy during this time, noting his genuine appreciation for his fans, often seen in his willingness to sign autographs after performances.

TV Ratings: Fox News Channel Is Hot This Summer

During the week of July 14-20, FOX News Channel (FNC) averaged 2.4 million viewers in Monday-Sunday primetime, leading all broadcast and cable networks, including NBC (2.17 million viewers), CBS (1.96 million viewers) and ABC (1.91 million viewers). 

In Monday-Friday total day (6 AM-6 AM/ET), FNC posted 1.7 million viewers and 196,000 in the 25-54 demo leading all of cable. In Monday-Friday primetime (8-11 PM/ET), FNC averaged 2.8 million viewers and 289,000 in the 25-54 demo, again outpacing NBC, CBS and ABC for the week. 

FNC has been television’s highest-rated network this summer, topping all broadcast and cable networks since Memorial Day in primetime with nearly three million viewers. Last week, the network commanded 62% of the primetime and total day cable news audience.

For the week, The Five averaged 3.5 million viewers and 367,000 in the 25-54 demo, leading cable news in all categories. At 6 PM/ET, Special Report with Bret Baier drew 2.6 million viewers and 288,000 in the 25-54 demo. The Ingraham Angle saw 2.4 million viewers and 265,000 in the 25-54 demo at 7 PM/ET. At 9 PM/ET, Hannity posted 2.5 million viewers and 254,000 with A25-54. At 11 PM/ET, FOX News @ Night secured 1.4 million viewers and 192,000 in the 25-54 demo.

At 10 PM/ET, FNC’s late-night offering Gutfeld! secured 2.8 million viewers and 311,000 with A25-54, again topping the broadcast competition with viewers. Notably, Greg Gutfeld’s eponymous program outpaced CBS’ Late Show with Stephen Colbert (1.96 million viewers) the week CBS announced it would be cancelled. Gutfeld! was the first late night program to unseat Colbert as the ratings leader since 2017 and has since topped the program for three years straight. In addition, Gutfeld reigned over ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! (1.06 million viewers), NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (991,000 viewers) and Late Night with Seth Meyers (706,000 viewers).

FNC continued to see its daytime programs outpace the broadcast competition with The Will Cain Show (weekdays, 4 PM/ET; 1,921,000 viewers), Outnumbered (weekdays, 12 PM/ET; 1,833,000 viewers), The Faulkner Focus (weekdays, 11 AM/ET; 1,808,000 viewers), America’s Newsroom (weekdays, 9-11 AM/ET; 1,733,000 viewers) and America Reports (weekdays, 1-3 PM/ET; 1,725,000 viewers) topping NBC’s Today Third Hour (1,623,000 viewers), ABC’s GMA3 (1,149,000 viewers), NBC’s NBC News Daily (1,134,000 viewers) and Jenna & Friends (1,087,000). 

The Will Cain Show and Outnumbered also led CBS Mornings (1,829,000 viewers) while The Story (weekdays, 3 PM/ET; 1,610,000 viewers) and FOX & Friends (weekdays, 6-9 AM/ET; 1,239,000 viewers) also outpaced GMA3, NBC News Daily and Today’s Jenna & Friends.

On Saturday:  The Big Weekend Show (weekends, 6-8 PM/ET) drew 1.4 million viewers leading cable news, while FOX News Live (Saturdays, 10AM-2 PM/ET) won in the 25-54 demo with 157,000 viewers. FOX News Saturday Night with Jimmy Failla (Saturday, 10 PM/ET) was the top show in primetime with 1.3 million viewers.

On Sunday:  Maria Bartiromo’s Sunday Morning Futures (Sunday,10 AM/ET) was the top show of the day with over 1.7 million viewers and 162,000 in the 25-54 demo. Sunday Night in America (Sunday, 9 PM/ET) among the top shows in primetime with 1.6 million viewers.

Source: Nielsen. Live+SD. Week of 7-14-25 ratings data. Average audience for cable news networks Monday-Sunday based on Total Day and Prime (6a-6a, 8P-11P), P2+, P25-54. Cable News/Broadcast Program averages exclude repeats and include the corresponding program name.

Skydance Plans Bias Review Process For CBS News

Skydance Media, aiming to merge with Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS News, has taken steps to secure FCC approval. 

On Tuesday, Skydance’s legal team sent a letter to FCC Chair Brendan Carr, announcing plans to appoint an ombudsman to address “complaints of bias or other concerns” at CBS News, ensuring “viewpoint diversity” across its operations, according to Variety. Skydance also confirmed that Paramount has eliminated its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

These efforts come amid political controversies surrounding CBS and CBS News over the past year. 

On July 18, 2025, CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, set to end in May 2026, citing financial reasons. 

However, Colbert’s vocal criticism of President Donald Trump has fueled speculation of political motivations. The decision follows a $16 million settlement between Paramount Global and Trump, resolving a lawsuit accusing CBS News of “deceitful” editing in a 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. 

The settlement, finalized in early July, included no apology from CBS News, with most funds allocated to Trump’s future presidential library. This mirrors a $20 million settlement ABC News reached with Trump in December 2024.The settlement was a priority for Paramount Global’s chair, Shari Redstone, as she pushes to finalize the merger with Skydance Media, led by David Ellison, whose father, Larry Ellison, supported Trump’s re-election campaign. 

The merger, pending FCC approval, is expected to close later in 2025.

CBS Names Tanya Simon As '60-Minutes' Executive Producer

CBS News named Tanya Simon as the executive producer of "60 Minutes" on July 24, 2025, making her the fourth executive producer in the show's 57-year history and the first woman to hold the role. 

Simon, an award-winning journalist with over three decades of experience, had been serving as the interim executive producer since April 2025, following the resignation of her predecessor, Bill Owens. 

Tanya Simon

She has been with CBS News since 1996, starting as a researcher for "48 Hours" before joining "60 Minutes" in 2000. Over her 25-year tenure with the program, she has held various roles, including senior producer and executive editor for six seasons, contributing to high-profile reports such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Duke University lacrosse case, and interviews with figures like Julian Assange and Bob Dylan.

Her appointment was supported by the show’s correspondents, who sent a letter to Paramount Global’s co-CEO George Cheeks in May 2025, urging her permanent appointment. 

Simon’s leadership comes at a challenging time for "60 Minutes," amid Paramount Global’s $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump over a lawsuit regarding an interview with Kamala Harris and the company’s pending merger with Skydance Media. 

Tom Cibrowski, president and executive editor of CBS News, praised Simon as an innovative leader who understands the essence of "60 Minutes," which continues to be America’s top news program, averaging 8.33 million viewers weekly.

Appeals Court Backs FCC Radio Ownership Limits

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit issued a significant ruling on the FCC media ownership rules, impacting the future of both radio and television broadcasting. 

The decision, part of the FCC’s quadrennial review mandated by the 1996 Telecommunications Act, balanced the retention of local radio ownership limits with a partial deregulation of television ownership restrictions, reflecting the evolving media landscape and ongoing debates about competition, localism, and diversity.

Key Points of the Ruling

Upholding Local Radio Ownership Rules:  The court upheld the FCC’s December 2023 decision to retain the Local Radio Ownership Rule, which limits the number of radio stations an entity can own in a single market (e.g., up to eight stations in the largest markets, with no more than five on the same band—AM or FM).

Broadcasters, including the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and companies like Beasley Media Group and Zimmer Radio, argued that these rules are outdated due to competition from digital platforms like streaming services and social media, which siphon advertising revenue. 

The court rejected these arguments, deferring to the FCC’s judgment that radio remains a distinct market with unique local content, justifying limits to preserve competition, localism, and viewpoint diversity.

The FCC’s rationale included evidence of negative impacts from past radio consolidation, such as reduced local programming, and the court found the agency’s decision “reasonable and reasonably explained.”

Striking Down Key Television Ownership Limits: The court vacated parts of the FCC’s Local Television Ownership Rule, specifically the “Top-Four Prohibition,” which barred an entity from owning more than one of the top-four rated TV stations (typically affiliates of ABC, CBS, Fox, or NBC) in a single market. 

The court found that the FCC failed to provide up-to-date evidence to justify this restriction, especially given changes in the media marketplace.

Additionally, the court struck down a 2023 FCC revision that tightened restrictions on acquiring second top-four network affiliations via multicast streams or low-power stations, deeming it insufficiently supported and potentially stifling innovation, particularly in smaller markets.

The FCC was given 90 days to provide new evidence or revise these rules before the vacated provisions are formally lifted, potentially paving the way for increased consolidation among top TV stations.

FCC's Brendan Carr

The decision maintains the status quo for radio, limiting consolidation and frustrating broadcasters who sought relief to compete with digital giants. The NAB expressed disappointment, arguing that the rules hinder stations’ ability to thrive in a fragmented media landscape.

The partial deregulation is a significant win for TV broadcasters like Nexstar, Gray, and Sinclair, who can now pursue duopolies among top-four stations in the same market, potentially leading to a wave of mergers and acquisitions. This could enhance operational efficiencies but risks reducing competition and diversity in local markets.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who dissented in the 2023 FCC decision, supports relaxing ownership rules and is expected to use the ongoing 2022 quadrennial review to propose changes, especially given the court’s ruling and the recent overturning of the Chevron Doctrine, which reduces judicial deference to agency decisions.

Comcast Insists CNBC Is Not For Sale

The New York Post has published a report claiming that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was exploring the acquisition of CNBC, a business-focused cable network owned by Comcast’s NBCUniversal. 

According to sources cited in the report, Bezos, who acquired The Washington Post in 2013, had expressed interest to business associates in purchasing CNBC following its planned spin-off into a new publicly traded company called Versant, expected by the end of 2025. 

The report suggested that CNBC would “align well with his interests” and could serve as a “credible, neutral voice” in his media portfolio, particularly as a counterbalance to The Washington Post, which has faced financial losses and criticism for its perceived left-leaning bias.

However, a source close to Bezos denied these claims to The Daily Beast, stating, “There’s not a shred of truth to that story.” 

Additionally, sources close to Comcast and Versant cast doubt on the speculation, noting that Versant plans to grow CNBC rather than sell it and that tax regulations would prevent the sale of major assets like CNBC for two years post-spin-off to maintain the tax-free status of the transaction. 

No formal offer from Bezos has been confirmed, and Comcast has not reported direct outreach from him. Versant, which will include CNBC, MSNBC, and other cable assets, generated approximately $7 billion in revenue in 2024, though specific financials for CNBC alone were not disclosed.

Kari Lake Makes Power Push To Dismantle Voice of America

Kari Lake, who has been tasked with overseeing the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle or significantly reduce the operations of USAGM and VOA this week has taken took significant steps to consolidate her authority. The Voice of America is a government broadcaster that has disseminated pro-democracy news into foreign countries since 1942.

The Washington Post reports Lake had Victor Morales, the acting CEO of USAGM locked out of his email and electronic systems, effectively sidelining him. Morales had delegated much of his authority to Lake, but her actions marginalized the highest-ranking civil servant at the agency.

Kari Lake

Lake also ordered VOA Director Michael Abramowitz, who has been on administrative leave since March 2025 and is a lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against her, to accept a reassignment to a transmitting station in Greenville, North Carolina, or face termination. Abramowitz and his legal team argue this order violates the Administrative Procedures Act, calling it “plainly illegal.”

Lake recently terminated over 500 personal services contractors and issued reduction-in-force notices to more than 600 others, though some notices were rescinded due to processing errors. She has expressed a goal to run USAGM at its “statutory minimum.”

Last month Lake testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, describing USAGM as “rotten to the core” and suggesting that any viable components be transferred to the U.S. State Department. She criticized a congressionally mandated firewall (in place since 1994) that prevents government interference in VOA’s independent reporting, claiming it enables “biased, anti-American, or rogue reporting.” 

Trump supported her stance via a Truth Social post, calling VOA a “leftwing disaster” and urging its termination.

NBCUniversal Explores Launching New Sports Cable Network

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Comcast’s NBCUniversal is considering launching a new sports-focused cable network that would feature content also available on its Peacock streaming platform. 

The proposed channel, still in early-stage discussions, could debut as early as fall 2025, aligning with NBC’s 11-year, $75 billion NBA rights deal, which includes games broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock. 

Details of the Proposed Sports Cable NetworkContent and Purpose: The channel would primarily simulcast sports content from Peacock, including NBA games, NFL’s Sunday Night Football, PGA Tour golf, Premier League soccer, college football, WNBA, and Olympics coverage. The goal is to complement Peacock rather than cannibalize its subscriber base, offering sports fans access to live events through both traditional pay-TV and streaming.

The network would be offered to cable and satellite providers as part of specialty channel packages, similar to DirecTV’s “MySports,” rather than broad pay-TV bundles that include networks like ESPN or FS1. This tiered approach aims to avoid direct competition with Peacock and cater to sports fans who prefer cable access.

A fall 2025 launch would coincide with the start of NBC’s NBA broadcasting rights, making the channel a timely addition to capitalize on high-profile sports content. The NBA deal is a significant driver, as it includes games exclusive to Peacock, which has drawn criticism for locking major sports behind a paywall.

Discussions are preliminary, and no final decision has been made. NBCUniversal has declined to comment, indicating the project is not yet confirmed.