Twin Cities Radio: ‘Falen & Colt’ Move To Mornings at 101.3 KDWB

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.

Boston Radio: WROR's Bob Bronson Retires

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.

CBS News Radio: The Final Countdown

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.

At Least 16 CBS Affiliates Flipped A Day Early To ABC News

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: The Last Interview With Sean Hannity

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.

R.I.P.: Don Batting, WBZ Radio Boston's 'Batman'

Don Batting (1931-2026)

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.

What Really Killed Late-Night TV

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.

Too Much Competition from Digital Alternatives

Lawmakers Push To Protect Stars & Stipes From Restrictions

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.

Before The Get-Away: Check The Pulse for TGIF, May 22

Radio Broadcasting

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

AM Radio Act Bundled Into Larger Bill Package

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.

TV Ratings: ABC Wins Primetime

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 Unveils Ambitious AI and Partnership Strategy

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. 

Reuters reports the news drove the company’s shares up 13%.

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 To Stream iHM's 'Breakfast Club' Every Morning

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.

Detroit Radio: WJR Honored as Station of the Year

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.

Walmart Seeing Signs of Consumer Stress

Walmart is seeing signs of consumer stress at the pump, with shoppers buying less than 10 gallons of gas per trip on average — the first time that’s happened since 2022.

The discount retailer’s Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey called the drop “an indication of stress,” noting that while the headline consumer looks reasonably healthy, the pressure is uneven underneath.

Walmart reported strong sales growth for the quarter ended May 1, with U.S. comparable sales rising 4.1% from a year earlier. Sales increased across its major segments and online channels. Higher-income shoppers are turning to Walmart’s fast delivery options and premium selections in fashion and beauty, while the company said higher tax refunds helped offset the impact of rising fuel prices for lower-income customers.

CRS Reveals 2027 Agenda Committee

Country Radio Broadcasters has named the leaders and members of its Agenda Committee for the 2026-2027 Country Radio Seminar (CRS) year.

Brittani Johnson of The Core Entertainment will serve as Chair, with Vice Chairs Krista Hayes (BMG) and Kevin Callahan (Pamal Broadcasting). Ed Rivadavia of mtheory will lead the Digital Music Summit (DMS).

Radio History: May 22

➦In 1900...In New York City, the Associated Press was incorporated as a non-profit news cooperative.

The Associated Press was formed in May 1846 by five daily newspapers in New York City to share the cost of transmitting news of the Mexican–American War. The venture was organized by Moses Yale Beach (1800–68), second publisher of The Sun, joined by the New York Herald, the New York Courier and Enquirer, The Journal of Commerce, and the New York Evening Express. Some historians believe that the Tribune joined at this time; documents show it was a member in 1849. The New York Times became a member shortly after its founding in September 1851. Initially known as the New York Associated Press (NYAP), the organization faced competition from the Western Associated Press (1862), which criticized its monopolistic news gathering and price setting practices.

An investigation completed in 1892 by Victor Lawson, editor and publisher of the Chicago Daily News, revealed that several principals of the NYAP had entered into a secret agreement with United Press, a rival organization, to share NYAP news and the profits of reselling it. The revelations led to the demise of the NYAP and in December 1892, the Western Associated Press was incorporated in Illinois as The Associated Press. A 1900 Illinois Supreme Court decision (Inter Ocean Publishing Co. v. Associated Press)—that the AP was a public utility and operating in restraint of trade—resulted in AP's move from Chicago to New York City, where corporation laws were more favorable to cooperatives.

In 1945, the Supreme Court of the United States held in Associated Press v. United States that the AP had been violating the Sherman Antitrust Act by prohibiting member newspapers from selling or providing news to nonmember organizations as well as making it very difficult for nonmember newspapers to join the AP. The decision facilitated the growth of its main rival United Press International, headed by Hugh Baillie from 1935 to 1955.

AP entered the broadcast field in 1941 when it began distributing news to radio stations; it created its own radio network in 1974.

➦In 1922..WGR in Buffalo, NY signed-on...

The history of one of Buffalo's earliest radio stations has its roots at sea. On April 1, 1921 the Governor, a passenger ship, sank to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean after collision with a freighter, the West Hartland.

The passenger ship’s assigned radio call letters were WGR. Due to maritime superstition, the call sign was never reissued to another ship and reverted to a pool of available call signs for new radio stations.

That same year, the Federal Telephone & Telegraph Company (FTTC), headquartered in a sprawling manufacturing complex in North Buffalo, began marketing its first, completely assembled radio sets. To fill a radio void in the city, and to stimulate sales of their new "high-tech" products, the FTTC applied for (and received) a commercial radio license from the Department of Commerce. The station was named "WGR" after George Rand (founder of Remington Rand), a key investor in the FTTC.