News Media Covers Breaking News of U-S, Israel Attack

The joint US-Israel military operation against Iran began Saturday morning. President Trump announced the start of “major combat operations” (sometimes referenced in coverage as part of “Operation Epic Fury”), describing it as a sustained campaign targeting Iran’s military sites, nuclear program, government facilities, and in some reports, regime figures. Israel framed its role as a “preemptive strike” after months of joint planning with the US, following failed nuclear negotiations and prior escalations (including strikes in June 2025). 

All news outlets provided immediate, prominent live updates or breaking coverage within hours of the strikes beginning, focusing on official statements, targets, potential duration (possibly days), and Iranian retaliation risks.

Coverage across outlets was extensive and breaking-news oriented, with live blogs, video embeds of Trump’s Truth Social announcement, and timelines. Differences appeared mainly in framing, word choice, emphasis on justification vs. risks, and tone. Broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS) leaned factual/neutral. Cable outlets showed more variation.

ABC News (abcnews.go.com)Tone: Neutral and factual. 

Live updates headline the story as “Iran live updates: Trump announces ‘major combat operations’; could last for days.” Reports explicitly state “The U.S. and Israel have launched a joint attack on Iran” and cite IDF descriptions of strikes on “dozens of military targets” as part of a “broad, coordinated, and joint attack.” Earlier contextual pieces discuss Trump’s buildup and options (limited strike vs. sustained operation), but today’s coverage sticks closely to official timelines, Trump quotes, and operational details without strong editorial language. No heavy emphasis on civilian impacts or criticism; presents the action as a response to nuclear threats.

NBC News (nbcnews.com)Tone: Neutral-factual with some emphasis on scale and regime-change implications.

Live blog titled “Live updates: U.S. military begins ‘major combat operations in Iran,’ Trump says.” Describes “joint U.S.-Israeli ‘Operation Epic Fury’” attacks on “military and security targets,” notes Israel’s “preemptive strike,” and explicitly states the offensive aims at “removing the Iranian regime.” Includes videos of Trump and details on U.S. targeting of ballistic missiles/nuclear sites vs. Israel’s focus on leaders. References prior June 2025 actions for context. Straightforward but highlights the ambitious scope and potential for prolonged fighting.

CBS News (cbsnews.com)Tone: Neutral and procedural:

Live updates: “Live Updates: U.S. and Israel attack Iran, with Trump confirming ‘major combat operations.’” Uses both “attack” and Israel’s “preemptive strike” language, quoting Trump on defending America and preventing a nuclear threat. Frames the operation as following weeks of failed talks and threats over Iran’s nuclear program and protests. Includes full Trump statement and operational details (e.g., “massive and ongoing operation”). Very fact-driven, with minimal opinion or alarmist framing.

Fox News (foxnews.com)Tone: Supportive and affirmative toward the US/Israel action.

Live coverage: “Israel, US launch attack on Iran as Trump announces ‘major combat operations.’” Repeatedly calls it a “preemptive” operation in response to “Iran’s aggression” and “mass terror.” Highlights “historic action” by Trump, quotes him extensively (“It’s been mass terror and we’re not going to put up with it any longer”), and notes targeting of Iranian leaders (e.g., Supreme Leader Khamenei). Emphasizes justification, coordination, and strength against the regime; little focus on risks or Iranian civilian perspectives in top snippets.

CNN (cnn.com)Tone: Neutral-factual with descriptive detail on immediate effects.

Live updates: “US, Israel attack Iran in ‘preemptive strike,’ Trump posts video on Truth Social.” Describes coordinated “months of close and joint planning,” daylight strikes on Tehran (with “plumes of smoke” and residents sheltering), targeting of supreme leader/president/military heads, and US plans for “several days of attacks.” Notes Trump’s “massive and ongoing” campaign and Iranian retaliation preparations. Balanced reporting: includes Israeli/US statements alongside observable impacts in Iran.

MSNOW (msnbc.com)Tone: Not prominently covered in immediate web breaking-news format (as of searches).

Site-specific searches returned no dedicated live updates or breaking articles on today’s February 28, 2026 operation; top results referenced prior 2025 strikes and were largely opinion/analysis pieces. Those earlier pieces framed similar US/Israel actions as a “massive gamble,” potential “regime-change war,” or risky escalation driven by Trump/Netanyahu, often questioning advisers and highlighting dangers of wider conflict. 

Summary of overall patterns: All outlets with active coverage used similar core facts and official terminology (“preemptive strike” from Israel, Trump’s “major combat operations”). Broadcast networks stayed the most neutral and timeline-focused. Fox leaned most supportive/justificatory. CNN added vivid on-the-ground details. MSNBC’s web presence was the least reactive on this specific launch. 

No outlet appeared overtly celebratory of war or alarmist about imminent catastrophe in the initial reports; coverage centered on official narratives, with varying degrees of context on nuclear threats vs. escalation risks. This reflects standard breaking-news dynamics for a major Middle East military development. Events are fast-moving, so tones could shift with new developments (e.g., Iranian retaliation or casualties)..

Fox News Live Stream https://t.co/5t3MZ44SpZ #FoxNews

— Tom Benson (@Tombenson1) February 28, 2026

Broader Themes in Reporting:

• Objectives — Outlets quoted Trump and Israeli leaders on eliminating nuclear threats, missile programs, and existential dangers to Israel/U.S. allies. Some noted this as more extensive than prior strikes (e.g., U.S. hits on three nuclear sites in 2025).
• Retaliation Risks — Heavy focus on expected Iranian responses, Iranian state media reports of damage, and civil defense measures in Israel.
• Context — Many tied it to stalled U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, recent protests/crackdowns in Iran, and the fragile 2025 ceasefire.
• Wikipedia and Encyclopedic Entries — Rapidly updated pages (e.g., "2026 Israeli–United States strikes on Iran") codenamed operations like "Roaring Lion" and "Shield of Judah," with ongoing status and unknown casualties noted.

Overall, coverage has been fast-moving and visuals-driven (e.g., smoke plumes in Tehran, sirens in Israel), with a mix of official statements, anonymous U.S./Israeli sources, and on-the-ground reports. Outlets across the spectrum (Western mainstream, regional like Al Jazeera) converge on the facts of the strikes occurring but differ in emphasis—e.g., more on preemption and threats from pro-Western sources, versus diplomatic fallout and regional escalation from others. 

As events unfold rapidly today, expect continued live updates and evolving details on damage, casualties, and Iranian reactions.

PSKY, WBD Sign Merger Deal

Paramount Skydance has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) in a deal valued at over $110 billion, including debt, creating one of the largest media mergers in recent history.

The all-cash transaction values WBD at $31 per share (roughly $77-81 billion in equity value), encompassing the Warner Bros. film studio, HBO Max streaming platform, CNN, and other cable networks. The boards of both companies unanimously approved the deal on February 27, 2026, with a shareholder vote expected in early spring 2026 and closing anticipated in the third quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

The agreement ends a intense bidding war, as Netflix withdrew its prior offer just a day earlier after declining to match Paramount Skydance's superior bid. Paramount Skydance raised its offer from $30 to $31 per share on Thursday, February 26, and includes a $7 billion reverse termination fee if regulators block the deal. If closing is delayed past September 30, 2026, WBD shareholders receive a $0.25 per share ticking fee per quarter.

The combined entity would unite iconic Hollywood studios and vast IP libraries—from Paramount's "The Godfather" and SpongeBob SquarePants to Warner Bros.' "Casablanca" and Batman—along with complementary streaming services (Paramount+ and Max) and networks including CBS and CNN. Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison (son of billionaire Larry Ellison), described the merger as creating greater value for audiences, partners, and shareholders through enhanced storytelling and talent opportunities.

The deal faces scrutiny from regulators and some Democrats in Congress, amid concerns over media consolidation.

PSKY Pays Netflix $2.8B In Break-Up Fees

Paramount Skydance has paid Netflix a $2.8 billion breakup fee, officially ending Netflix's planned acquisition deal with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and clearing the path for Paramount's superior bid to acquire WBD.

Netflix disclosed the payment in an SEC filing on Friday. The fee was transferred by Paramount Skydance (PSKY) on behalf of WBD as required under the terms of the terminated merger agreement between Netflix and WBD.

This development follows a heated bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery's assets. Netflix had an existing merger agreement with WBD, but Paramount Skydance submitted a revised all-cash offer valued at $31 per share, which WBD's board deemed a "Company Superior Proposal." 

To facilitate the switch, Paramount agreed to cover the $2.8 billion termination fee that WBD would have owed Netflix upon breaking the deal.

CNN: A Suddenly Uncertain Future

Netflix's stunning withdrawal Thursday from its bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery has cleared the path for Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison, to take control of the media giant—including its 24-hour news channel CNN.

The shift has sparked anxiety in CNN's newsroom over potential threats to editorial independence under Ellison, a technology heir who recently revamped CBS News by appointing conservative figures and opinion journalists to key roles.

CNN CEO Mark Thompson addressed staff concerns Friday on an editorial call, urging calm: “The business, rather British, of keeping calm and carrying on is actually probably the most sensible thing for us all to do.”

Reporters and producers fear that a Paramount acquisition could compromise CNN's prized independence, especially given Ellison's friendly ties to President Trump—who has long accused CNN of bias—and his history of influencing news operations.

When Ellison acquired Paramount last year, the Trump administration approved the deal after Paramount settled a lawsuit against 60 Minutes for $16 million. Ellison attended Trump's State of the Union as Senator Lindsey Graham's guest this week.

ESPN's Chris Berman Unveils Plans for Retirement

Legendary ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman plans to retire after the 2029 NFL season, concluding a remarkable 50-year career with the network.

The 70-year-old personality, affectionately known as "Boomer," made the announcement during a recent interview on the CNBC Sport podcast with host Alex Sherman. Berman, who joined ESPN just one month after its launch in September 1979, said he is currently semi-retired but intends to fulfill his existing contract through the end of the 2029 football season—at which point he will be nearly 75.

"I'll be almost 75, I think the nation's more than had enough of me," Berman quipped. "I'm semi-retired now. I'm just so proud of where we've been ... from Day 1 to getting a Super Bowl."

Buffalo Toronto Public Media to Realign 88.7 FM and 94.5 FM

Buffalo Toronto Public Media has announced it will move programming currently heard on 88.7 FM and 94.5 FM to better align programming and audience with BTPM’s frequencies. The realignment follows the recent conversion of 94.5 FM to an advertising-eligible license and is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the organization’s long-term financial sustainability after the loss of $2.2 million in annual federal funding.

The switch could happen as soon as May, but the date has not yet been determined.

“The federal funding cut put us in a difficult position,” said Tom Calderone, President & CEO of Buffalo Toronto Public Media. “But we are using this moment to think creatively — as we always have — about how we serve our community while protecting BTPM’s essential services. We still have details to finalize before the switch launches. However, we know how much our audiences value the stations they have listened to for decades, and we didn’t want to wait to share what’s ahead.”

Under the new alignment:

• BTPM Classical will move to 88.7 FM and continue operating under a sponsor-supported license. Because NPR will not allow its programming on an advertising-eligible station, Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me will be broadcast on 88.7. BTPM Classical will be available without those flagship NPR programs on an HD station, 89.7 WNJA in Jamestown, and on the BTPM Classical stream.
• BTPM NPR will be available on the BTPM NPR stream as well as on an HD station, 91.3 WOLN in Olean, and 88.1 WUBJ in Jamestown. Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me and other familiar programming will be available on the station. It will no longer broadcast BTPM The Bridge or Friday Night Lights high school sports games.
• 94.5 FM will become a reimagined, full-service station featuring local, national, and international news, public affairs, entertainment, sports, and music, supported by members and an advertising-eligible license. The as-yet-named station will also have a dedicated streaming option.
• BTPM The Bridge will retain its programming and format but will be on an HD station and will simulcast in the evening on 94.5 FM instead of 88.7 FM.

Because NPR does not allow its programming on advertising-eligible licenses, NPR content cannot be broadcast on 94.5 FM. This creates a significant benefit for listeners who prefer a largely talk-focused, 24/7 news and information service, uninterrupted by music or high school sports. The shift allows for a more purist NPR experience on BTPM NPR.

$34.5 Billion Charter-Cox Merger Passes FCC

The FCC has approved Charter Communications' $34.5 billion acquisition of Cox Communications, creating one of the largest cable and broadband providers in the United States.

The deal, first announced in May 2025, combines Charter (known for its Spectrum brand) with Cox's residential broadband, video, mobile, voice, advertising, and enterprise operations. The merged company will operate under the Cox name but retain the Spectrum brand for consumer services, surpassing competitors to become the nation's largest residential internet service provider with tens of millions of subscribers and broad coverage across dozens of states.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr hailed the approval as delivering major benefits for Americans. In a statement, Carr emphasized that the transaction will expand connectivity and economic opportunities in rural America through increased infrastructure investment, keep jobs based in the United States, provide customers with access to lower-priced plans, and include safeguards against what he described as “DEI discrimination” — referring to protections and commitments related to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies that the agency framed as preventing discriminatory practices.

R.I.P.: Neil Sedaka, Rock & Roll Legend

Neil Sedaka (1939-2026)

Neil Sedaka, the beloved singer-songwriter whose catchy pop hits like "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do," "Calendar Girl," "Laughter in the Rain," and "Oh! Carol" defined eras of rock 'n' roll and soft rock, died Friday at age 86 in Los Angeles.

He was hospitalized earlier that day after an undisclosed medical emergency and passed away shortly after, according to family statements and reports. No cause of death has been released.

"Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka," his family said in a statement. 

"A true rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions, but most importantly, at least to those of us who were lucky enough to know him, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed."

A Juilliard-trained pianist born in Brooklyn on March 13, 1939, Sedaka rose to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s as part of the Brill Building songwriting scene. He co-wrote and performed teen-oriented classics with lyricist Howard Greenfield, including "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen," "Stupid Cupid" (a hit for Connie Francis), and "Where the Boys Are." 

His boyish soprano voice and upbeat melodies captured the innocent spirit of pre-Beatles pop.After a career lull in the late 1960s, Sedaka staged a triumphant 1970s comeback with solo smashes like the No. 1 "Laughter in the Rain" and "Bad Blood," plus the Grammy-winning Captain & Tennille cover of his "Love Will Keep Us Together"—which famously ended with Toni Tennille's ad-lib "Sedaka is back!"

Sedaka's songs sold millions, were covered by artists from Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra to modern acts, and earned him enduring acclaim. He remained a tireless performer, playing dozens of concerts annually into his 80s, crediting his preserved vocal range and passion for the stage.

Short, dark-haired, and ever-smiling, the Brooklyn native from a Jewish family credited music with overcoming childhood challenges. A second-grade teacher spotted his talent, leading his mother to buy a used piano. He co-founded doo-wop group The Tokens early on and never stopped writing or performing, once telling interviewers the adrenaline of live audiences was an addictive "natural high."

Sedaka's legacy endures through timeless hits that bridged generations and his role as a prolific craftsman of American pop.

Radio History: Feb 28

➦In 1922...KHQ-AM, Spokane, Washington, signed-on in Seattle. Louis Wasmer founded the pioneer radio station as part of a motorcyle shop he owned. He later re-established the station in Spokane in 1925.

Although the KHQ calls are no longer used on the AM band, they still exist on TV.

The long time frequency of 590 kHz which KHQ used until 1985 is now occupied by KQNT.

The picture to the right is a view of the KHQ's tower on top of the Davenport Building probably from the 1940's based on the age of the automobiles pictured. KHQ was not using the tower at this time.

The KHQ and KGA signs are attached to the Radio Central Building which was being used by those station at that time.

➦In 1966...This is the 60th anniversary of KFRC 610 AM San Francisco flipping from MOR to Top 40.

In 1949, RKO-General acquired KFRC. Like most radio stations during the 1950s, KFRC lost ratings and share to television. In February 1966, KFRC flipped to a Top 40 rock and roll music format, and quickly became the dominant station in the region with that format through the 1970s, featuring the tight, carefully programmed sound developed by RKO General's national program director, Bill Drake, formerly of cross-town rival KYA, and program directors Tom Rounds and, later, Les Turpin.

It entered its second "golden era," which coincided with San Francisco’s Summer of Love, and featured legendary disc jockeys Mike Phillips, Ed Mitchell (Who later changed his name to Ed Hepp) , Bobby Dale, Jay Stevens, Sebastian Stone, K.O. Bayley (real name Bob Elliott), Dave Diamond, Charlie Van Dyke, Howard Clark, Dale Dorman, Mark Elliott, Frank Terry, Joe Conrad, Jim Carson, J.J. Johnson, and Bob Foster.

610 KFRC Fan · 50th Anniversary celebration to The Big 610, The Amazing AM - 610 KFRC Jingles

During the Drake era, KFRC was responsible for two memorable concerts.

\The station presented several prominent acts at the “The Beach Boys Summer Spectacular” at the Cow Palace in San Francisco in June 1966. On June 10 and 11, 1967, KFRC organized and hosted the Fantasy Fair and Magic Mountain Music Festival at the summit of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, California. Occurring one week before the more famous Monterey Pop Festival, the well-attended event is regarded as the first rock festival in history.

For several years, KFRC had extended local newscasts on its AM station, under the leadership of news director Bob Safford; however, management decided to curtail news coverage, so Safford and other news staff moved to other news broadcast departments in San Francisco, including KCBS Radio and KGO-TV.

➦In 1969...WABC 95.5 FM started the  “Love” format.  The station originally went on the air on May 4, 1948 under the call sign WJZ-FM  and in March 1953, the station's call letters were changed to WABC-FM following the merger of the American Broadcasting Company with United Paramount Theatres.

As most FM stations did during the medium's formative years, 95.5 FM simulcast the programming of its AM sister station.

In the early 1960s, however, WABC-FM began to program itself separately from 77 WABC-AM. During the 1962–63 New York City newspaper strike, the station carried an news format for 17 hours daily. Two-and-a-half years before WINS launched its own around-the-clock, all-news format in April 1965, it was the first attempt at an all-news format in the New York market.

R.I.P.: KLOS-FM Host Uncle Joe Benson, Legendary LA Voice

Uncle Joe Benson (1949-2026)

Legendary Los Angeles rock radio personality Uncle Joe Benson has died at age 76.

Benson, renowned for his deep, resonant voice and encyclopedic knowledge of classic rock, passed away peacefully Tuesday from Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson’s dementia, and complications from a fall, according to a family announcement on his Uncle Joe’s Garage Facebook page.

His nearly six-decade career in radio made him a beloved figure in Southern California, where he became synonymous with heritage rock stations. Benson joined KLOS-FM (95.5) in 1980 and spent more than 30 years there as a key personality, hosting shifts and connecting deeply with listeners through his passion for rock 'n' roll. He also worked at stations including the former Arrow 93.1 (KCBS-FM), KLSX, and 100.3 The Sound (KSWD), where he handled midday and other drives until the station's format change in 2017. 

Uncle Joe Benson

Later, he hosted the syndicated "Ultimate Classic Rock" program for Townsquare Media, reaching audiences nationwide and online.

Beyond broadcasting, Benson served for more than 20 years as the track announcer at California Speedway (now Auto Club Speedway), blending his love for rock with motorsports. He authored the "Uncle Joe’s Record Guides" series and produced the syndicated "Off the Record" interview program and "Uncle Joe’s Garage" podcasts, documenting rock history and artists.

The announcement of his death drew an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans, and the radio community.  “A radio legend silenced,” posted longtime KLOS and The Sound colleague Rita Wilde. “Nothing but love and respect. At least you aren’t in pain anymore. Love you forever, JB.”

“What a legend,” wrote former KLOS morning host Frosty Stillwell. “A giant in radio, a life well lived.”

Benson is survived by his wife, Jan, and sons Jay and Jeremy. His family noted that he donated his brain to the Brain Donor Project to advance research into neurological disorders. In lieu of flowers, donations were requested to the Brain Donor Project or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research.

Staffers Panic: CNN Expected To Join The CBS News Portfolio

The potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance has advanced significantly, with Netflix withdrawing its competing bid on Thursday, clearing the path for Paramount to potentially take control of CNN alongside its existing CBS News operations. This development has sparked immediate concerns among media watchdogs about concentrated ownership and potential shifts in editorial direction.

If the transaction ultimately closes, Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison, would add CNN to a portfolio that already includes CBS News, creating a combined entity controlling two major cable news networks. Media advocacy groups have raised alarms over this consolidation, particularly given recent changes at CBS News under Ellison's ownership.

The surprising turnaround paves the way for David Ellison—CEO of Paramount Skydance and a vocal Trump ally—to take the reins of WBD's vast media empire. This encompasses Warner Bros. Pictures, Max (formerly HBO Max), and a wide array of cable channels, with CNN standing out as the most prominent.  The acquisition virtually ensures deep cost-cutting and widespread layoffs throughout the combined company. At CNN in particular, staffers were thrown into a frenzy, suddenly facing the very real possibility of reporting to Bari Weiss—now a key figure at Paramount-owned CBS News—by year's end.

Craig Aaron, co-CEO of the media advocacy organization Free Press, strongly criticized the prospect, stating: “The idea that Paramount should be allowed to control CBS and CNN should be unthinkable.” He added that the new owner had promised President Trump they would “make sweeping changes to CNN given the chance, and we know what that means.” 

A Paramount spokeswoman did not immediately respond to Aaron’s comments.

Since taking over Paramount, Ellison has revamped CBS News by installing Bari Weiss—the provocative founder of the digital news and opinion outlet The Free Press—as editor in chief. Ellison has publicly stated he wants CBS News “to speak to that 70% of the audience that would really define themselves at center-left to center-right.”

In response to the unfolding situation, CNN President Mark Thompson addressed staff in a memo, urging restraint: “Don’t jump to conclusions until we know more.” Thompson emphasized focusing on delivering strong journalism amid the uncertainty.

The deal remains subject to shareholder approval (including a planned Warner Bros. Discovery vote in March) and regulatory review, meaning the outcome—and any potential impact on CNN—is not yet finalized.