Radio History: April 10

Harry Morgan

➦In 1915...Actor Harry Morgan was born Harry Bratsberg (Died at age 93  – December 7, 2011)  His career spanned six decades.

Morgan's major roles included Pete Porter in both December Bride (1954–1959) and Pete and Gladys (1960–1962); Officer Bill Gannon on Dragnet (1967–1970); Amos Coogan on Hec Ramsey (1972–1974); and his starring role as Colonel Sherman T. Potter in M*A*S*H (1975–1983) and AfterMASH (1983–1984). Morgan appeared in more than 100 films.

Morgan also hosted the NBC radio series Mystery in the Air starring Peter Lorre in 1947.

➦In 1922...WBT Charlotte, NC signed-on.

The station actually dates back  to December 1920, when Fred Laxton, Earle Gluck and Frank Bunker set up an amateur radio station in Laxton's home. Four months later, the station received an experimental license as 4XD. The trio decided to go commercial in 1922, and incorporated as the Southern Radio Corporation.

CBS Is Selling Block Time To Byron Allen For Comics

CBS is officially exiting the original late-night programming business, announcing Monday that it has leased the time slots formerly held by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group.

Starting Friday, May 22—the night after Colbert’s final broadcast—Allen's comedy panel show Comics Unleashed will take over the coveted post-local news slot. It will be followed at 12:37 a.m. by another Allen Media program, the game show Funny You Should Ask.

The deal is structured as a "time buy." Instead of licensing or producing shows for the time period, CBS is renting the two hours to Allen Media for what Allen described to Entertainment Tonight as "tens of millions of dollars." Allen's company will keep the commercial time and sell it directly to advertisers to recoup the investment.

TV Ratings: FOX News Channel Continues to Lead NBC in Primetime

FOX News Channel (FNC) finished the week of March 30 with 3.3 million weekday primetime viewers, outpacing NBC (2.8 million) for the third week in a row, according to Nielsen Media Research Big Data + Panel. 

FNC also outperformed NBC in Monday - Sunday primetime, with 2,763,000 viewers, while NBC saw 2,617,000 viewers. In Monday - Sunday total day, FNC drew 1.8 million viewers and outpaced the cable competition combined among total viewers during Monday-Sunday total day and primetime.

The Five continued to dominate the afternoon with 3,757,000 viewers and 361,000 in the 25-54 demo. At 6 PM/ET, Special Report with Bret Baier drew 3.2 million viewers and 346,000 in the 25-54 demo. The Ingraham Angle at 7PM/ET averaged 2.9 million viewers and 283,000 in the 25-54 demo. Jesse Watters Primetime commanded 3.6 million viewers and 372,000 in the 25-54 demo at 8 PM/ET. At 9 PM/ET, Hannity was the number one show in cable news for the week with 3,787,000 viewers and 453,000 in the 25-54 demo. FOX News @ Night with Trace Gallagher at 11PM/ET posted 1.7 million viewers.

On Wednesday, FOX News was the number one network in television during President Trump’s primetime address to the nation. From 9-9:30 PM/ET on Wednesday, FNC averaged 6.6 million viewers and 931,000 in the 25-54 demo leading CBS (5.1 million viewers), NBC (4.7 million viewers) and ABC (3.7 million viewers). Additionally on Wednesday during the Artemis II launch, FNC drew 3.6 million viewers from 6-6:30 PM/ET leading NBC (2.8 million viewers) and CBS (2.2 million viewers).

FNC’s late-night hit Gutfeld! (weekdays, 10 PM/ET) averaged 3.2 million viewers and delivered 401,000 in the 25-54 demo, continuing to lead all late-night competition in total viewers and the 25-54 demo. It also continued to overtake the broadcast competition including CBS’s The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2,111,000 viewers; 284,000 A25-54) and NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (1,194,000 viewers; 257,000 A25-54)

CBS No. 1 In Primetime With Thanks to Basketball

The NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball tournaments completely dominated primetime television for the week of March 30 to April 5, 2026, propelling CBS and TNT to the top of the ratings charts and overshadowing standard broadcast programming.

According to Nielsen Live+Same Day Big Data + Panel metrics, CBS easily won the week in overall viewership and key demographics, driven by the massive audience for the Men’s Final Four and National Championship. TNT saw similarly historic numbers for its coverage of the Women’s basketball playoffs, reflecting the continuing surge in popularity for the women's tournament.

CBS’s broadcast of the Men’s National Championship game anchored the network's weekly victory, pulling in an average of 21.5 million total viewers and a towering 5.2 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic. The Saturday Men's Final Four matchups on CBS were also heavily watched, averaging 14.8 million viewers and a 3.7 in the key demo.

On the cable side, TNT’s presentation of the Women’s Final Four and National Championship delivered blockbuster numbers that rivaled the men's side. The Women's Championship game drew 19.8 million total viewers and a 4.8 rating among adults 18-49, solidifying it as one of the most-watched sporting events of the spring.

TV Ratings: ABC's WNT No. 1 On Broadcast and Cable

Earning a News & Documentary Emmy® Award nomination for Outstanding Live News Program for the fifth year in a row, “World News Tonight with David Muir” stood as the No. 1 program in Total Viewers (8.598 million) on all of broadcast and cable (excluding sports) during the week of March 30, 2026, based on Live+Same Day Big Data Plus Panel Program Ratings from Nielsen Media Research.

• “World News Tonight” ranked as the No. 1 newscast across broadcast and cable in Total Viewers (8.598 million), Adults 25-54 (1.071 million) and Adults 18-49 (823,000).
• “World News Tonight” outperformed “NBC Nightly News” (6.703 million, 1.046 million and 693,000, respectively) in Total Viewers (+28%/+1.895 million), Adults 25-54 (+2%/+25,000) and Adults 18-49 (+19%/+130,000).
• For the sixth consecutive week, “World News Tonight” increased its Total Viewer margin over “NBC Nightly News” compared to the year-ago week (+30% – 1.895 million vs. 1.461 million) by double digits.
• For the fifth consecutive week, “World News Tonight” saw gains on the same week last year in all key target demos: Total Viewers (+11%/+824,000 – 8.598 million vs. 7.774 million), Adults 25-54 (+6%/+58,000 – 1.071 million vs. 1.013 million) and Adults 18-49 (+14%/+102,000 – 823,000 vs. 721,000).
• “World News Tonight” (8.598 million, 1.071 million and 823,000, respectively) more than doubled the performance of “CBS Evening News” (4.131 million, 571,000 and 410,000, respectively) in Total Viewers (+107%/+4.449 million), Adults 25-54 (+88%/+500,000) and Adults 18-49 (+87%/382,000).
• “World News Tonight” increased its gap over “CBS Evening News” versus the year-ago week in Total Viewers (+16% – 4.449 million vs. 3.835 million) and Adults 25-54 (+2% – 500,000 vs. 490,000).

Edison: Radio Continues to Dominate In-Car Listening

New Q1 2026 Share of Ear data confirm that AM/FM radio remains the dominant in‑car audio platform for Americans, even as in‑car audio options multiply. Overall, AM/FM, including both over‑the‑air broadcasts and streamed station feeds, captures 55% of time spent listening to audio in vehicles among Americans aged 13 and older. Streaming audio is the second‑largest category at 16%, reflecting steady growth over the 12‑year Share of Ear series but still far behind radio for the total 13+ audience.

The broad lead for AM/FM reflects both habit and unique in‑car advantages. Radio provides free, locally relevant news, traffic and emergency updates, live sports and hosts that many drivers tune to daily. Its ubiquity in factory dashboards and simple, low‑friction access help maintain usage even as connected infotainment systems and smartphone integration expand.

Demographic splits show streaming is making inroads with younger drivers but has not overtaken radio. Among Americans 13–34, AM/FM still accounts for the largest share of in‑car listening at 46%, while streaming platforms claim 30% of in‑car audio time for that cohort. That gap highlights radio’s cross-generational resilience: younger listeners increasingly use streaming for music and podcasts, but many still default to radio during commutes and local drives.

Philly Radio: Former 97.5 Fanatic Host Arrested for Assault

Former Philadelphia sports radio host Mike Missanelli was arrested early Wednesday and charged with simple assault and harassment following a domestic dispute with his fiancée. 

Lower Merion police responded to a 911 hang-up shortly after midnight. According to a probable cause affidavit, Missanelli told officers that a heated argument over the couple’s engagement escalated into a physical scuffle. Police said Missanelli reported his fiancée struck him in the chest, and he responded by slapping the side of her face. An officer noted fresh blood on the woman's forehead from a laceration allegedly caused by the slap. 

Missanelli was released on $10,000 unsecured bail with the condition he have no contact with the victim. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 22.

The Philly Inquirer reports, Missanelli has faced controversy in the past.  He was fired from WIP in 2006 after he punched a producer. He was then fired by 6ABC in 2017 for misogynistic comments he made about Beth Mowins, an ESPN broadcaster.

In recent years, Missanelli has been in the news for various job changes. After 15 years with 97.5 The Fanatic, he was pushed out by management in 2022, brought back in 2024, only to be ousted once more last August.

Good Morning! Begin A Busy Day With The Pulse For Thursday, Apr 9

Radio Broadcasting

iHM's Future: iHeartMedia is currently undergoing a nationwide restructuring of its sales divisions, resulting in targeted layoffs across its local market portfolios. This strategic overhaul signals a fundamental shift in how the audio giant approaches advertising sales, moving away from traditional, market-specific account executive teams toward a more centralized, regionalized, and digitally-focused model.

Radio Dominates In-Car Audio: New Q1 2026 Share of Ear data confirm that AM/FM radio remains the dominant in‑car audio platform for Americans, even as in‑car audio options multiply. Overall, AM/FM, including both over‑the‑air broadcasts and streamed station feeds, captures 55% of time spent listening to audio in vehicles among Americans aged 13 and older. Streaming audio is the second‑largest category at 16%, reflecting steady growth over the 12‑year Share of Ear series but still far behind radio for the total 13+ audience.

SBS Next Chapter: Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) has agreed to pursue a prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy under a Restructuring Support Agreement (RSA) with several of its major creditors, including funds and accounts managed by Brigade Capital Management LP, subsidiaries of Man Group plc, and Bayside Capital LLC.

BIA Revises Local Ad Forecast, Radio Steady

BIA Advisory Services has revised its 2026 U.S. Local Advertising Forecast (released in Q4 2025), projecting total local ad revenue to reach $184.5 billion, reflecting approximately 8.1% year-over-year growth compared with 2025. The increase over the prior estimate of $181.7 billion is driven by stronger-than-expected performance in mobile (particularly social), video, and streaming, political ad spend, and advertising technology.

Excluding political advertising, the 2026 forecast is now $176.1 billion, up from the previous $172.7 billion. 

“Our updated forecast reflects continued momentum in social and connected and over the top television, which are capturing a growing share of local advertising budgets,” said Senan Mele, VP of Forecasting and Data Analysis, BIA Advisory Services. “At the same time, traditional media such as broadcast television, cable and radio remain essential, providing the scale, credibility, and local connection that advertisers rely on to drive awareness and demand.”

Political advertising will drive key spending this year. BIA projects approximately $8.4 billion in local political spending, creating substantial revenue opportunities across broadcast television, linear cable, CTV/OTT, radio, and direct mail. 

BIA’s forecast also points to two growth factors driving the local advertising economy: near-term revenue from political spending and long-term growth fueled by key verticals, including real estate, restaurants, travel, retail, and financial services. Total local advertising is projected to exceed $222 billion by 2030, according to BIA’s forecast.

“The local advertising marketplace continues to reflect a K-shaped consumer economy,” said Rick Ducey, Managing Director, BIA Advisory Services. “Stronger spending from higher-income households is supporting discretionary categories like travel, leisure, and automotive, while value-oriented spending is shaping demand in retail, restaurants, and essential services.”

The forecast update also underscores the ongoing transformation of the media mix. Growth is being driven by digital channels – particularly mobile, social, and connected TV – while traditional media continues to play a critical role in delivering reach and brand impact.

iHM Sees Digital, Podcast Future Not Radio

iHeartMedia is currently undergoing a nationwide restructuring of its sales divisions, resulting in targeted layoffs across its local market portfolios. This strategic overhaul signals a fundamental shift in how the audio giant approaches advertising sales, moving away from traditional, market-specific account executive teams toward a more centralized, regionalized, and digitally-focused model.

The ongoing cuts are part of iHeartMedia's broader strategy to reduce expenses, streamline operations, and modernize its sales approach to align with evolving advertising trends. This restructuring impacts radio markets of all sizes across the country, where local sales teams—including account executives, sales managers, and support staff—are being significantly reduced or reorganized. The objective is to centralize sales functions, fostering a matrix-based structure that emphasizes digital revenue, podcasting, and programmatic ad sales over traditional over-the-air broadcast sales.

In specific local markets, this transition means a reduction in the number of dedicated local sales personnel who traditionally fostered deep relationships with area businesses. Instead, sales efforts are being consolidated, with some clients potentially being handled by regional teams or through automated programmatic platforms. 

The company is prioritizing sellers who can offer integrated digital and podcast solutions, reflecting a shift in advertiser demand and a move towards more data-driven, scalable sales strategies. This structural change aims to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs associated with maintaining extensive local sales forces, allowing iHeartMedia to reallocate resources towards its digital growth initiatives and technology platforms.

SBS Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) has agreed to pursue a prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy under a Restructuring Support Agreement (RSA) with several of its major creditors, including funds and accounts managed by Brigade Capital Management LP, subsidiaries of Man Group plc, and Bayside Capital LLC.

The RSA, reached after negotiations with those creditor groups, outlines a consensual restructuring designed to reduce SBS’s debt burden and stabilize its financial position while allowing continued operation of its radio, television and digital assets. Under the plan, affected creditors have agreed to support the company’s Chapter 11 filing and the proposed confirmation schedule, reducing the risk of protracted litigation and business disruption.

SBS intends to file the prepackaged Chapter 11 petition promptly to implement the agreed terms. A prepackaged filing means that a majority of the company’s creditors have already voted to accept the restructuring plan, accelerating the bankruptcy process and limiting time in court. Company management says the approach is intended to preserve value for stakeholders, maintain normal operations and protect advertising and affiliate relationships.

Beasley Media Reports 2025 Revenue Drop

Beasley Media Group describes 2025 as a year of significant transformation, despite persistent challenges in the advertising market, including pressures on traditional audio and agency-driven revenue. The company highlights substantial progress in reshaping its business for long-term value creation.

Key achievements include:

• Record Digital Growth: Beasley's digital business achieved record performance, with digital revenue climbing to approximately 24% of net revenue (up from 19% in 2024). Digital segment operating margins also reached record levels, driven by a successful shift toward owned-and-operated and programmatic products.
• Fundamental Cost Restructuring: Over the past 18 months, the company implemented approximately $30 million in annualized cost reductions, establishing a leaner and more focused organization adapted to the current revenue landscape.
• 
  Strategic Portfolio Optimization: Beasley strengthened its balance sheet and refined its asset portfolio through strategic sales. The sale of WPBB in Tampa in Q3 2025 and the subsequent sale of its Fort Myers market generated about $26 million in proceeds, reflecting a focus on high-performing assets.
• Significant Debt Reduction: The company recently announced a debt exchange transaction with second lien bondholders, projected to reduce second lien debt by approximately 50% and repay $15 million of first lien debt. Upon completion (expected by end of April, subject to bondholder participation), total outstanding debt is anticipated to decrease from $220 million to roughly $110 million.

Beasley believes this debt transaction will significantly enhance its financial flexibility and position the company for strategic execution. Moving forward, the focus will be on further deleveraging through EBITDA growth and ongoing portfolio optimization. The company remains committed to controlling its cost structure, advancing its digital roadmap, fostering direct local revenue relationships, and leveraging the strength of its brands across all markets.

Local Radio News, the Key To Winning Elections

National politics may seem deeply polarized on cable TV, but local news remains a unifying, trusted source that reaches voters across divides — and all‑news radio is the clearest example.

Unlike national outlets where audiences self-sort into ideological echo chambers, local news covers shared daily realities — neighborhoods, roads, weather, taxes — that bind communities together, according to Ray Borelli, SVP Research & Insights For Audacy.

According to Borelli, Audacy's  All‑news radio stations deliver those facts around the clock and command exceptional trust: an Alter Agents study for Audacy found 84% of respondents trust all‑news radio for local information, Morning Consult ranks over‑the‑air radio highest in credibility among U.S. news sources, and Katz Radio Group reports 85% of adults call radio “trustworthy” or “very trustworthy.”

That long‑earned credibility stems from decades of community service by legacy stations such as 1010 WINS (New York), KYW (Philadelphia), WBBM (Chicago), KCBS (San Francisco) and KNX (Los Angeles), which act as civic landmarks, provide emergency updates and hold local leaders accountable. Because listeners view all‑news radio as nonpartisan, advertisers and political messages running alongside programming inherit a “trust halo” — Alter Agents found 77% of listeners regard advertisers on all‑news stations as more trustworthy.

ESPN, Omaha Productions Launch Baseball Podcast

ESPN and Omaha Productions today announced that Jeff Passan will host Sources Tell Jeff Passan, a new baseball podcast launching Tuesday, April 14. Each week, Passan will break down the biggest stories across Major League Baseball, delivering insider reporting, sharp analysis and his signature perspective on the game.

A 30-minute teaser episode of Sources Tell Jeff Passan will debut April 9 at 6 p.m. ET on ESPNEWS, offering fans an early preview of the show ahead of its full launch.

“Baseball is having a moment, and we’re trying to make a show worthy of it,” Passan said. “There are so many incredible stories about the game to tell, and we’re going to do it in a way that makes fans smarter and makes them laugh, too. Whether you’re a die-hard or just beginning to learn about the game, we want this show to feel like it's for you."

FCC Wants Your Opinion on The Communications Industry

The Federal Communications Commission’s Office of Economics and Analytics is soliciting comments on competition in the communications market to evaluate the competitive landscape for voice, video, audio and data services.

This biennial request supports the agency’s statutory duty to produce a Communications Marketplace Report that identifies laws, regulations and policies that may impede competition and recommends improvements.

Broadcasters have previously urged the FCC to lift station ownership caps and remove rules they say hinder competition with tech giants and streaming platforms. Although the FCC has not revised ownership rules in decades, recent court rulings since the 2024 report struck down the ban on owning two top‑four stations in the same market. The commission also waived ownership limits for the Nexstar/Tegna merger—a decision now being litigated in two federal courts.

The FCC opened GN Docket No. 26‑78 for submissions. Initial comments are due May 21, 2026; reply comments are due June 22, 2026.