The Secret Every Great Radio Personality Discovered

By Dave Van Dyke,  

President

Bridge Ratings Media Research 

Casey Kasem understood it.

Paul Harvey mastered it.
Vin Scully lived it.
Larry Lujack, Delilah, Howard Stern, Rush Limbaugh—they all approached radio differently. They worked in different formats, appealed to different audiences, and possessed completely different personalities.
Yet they all discovered the same secret.
People don't return because you have content. They return because they want to spend time with you.

State AGs Sue to Block Paramount-Warner Megadeal

A coalition of 12 states led by California filed a lawsuit Monday to block Paramount’s $81 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, creating the most serious regulatory hurdle yet for the massive merger that would combine two of Hollywood’s largest producers and distributors of entertainment and news content.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the deal would produce “higher prices, lower quality, and less content for film and television,” harming movie theaters, cable distributors, and consumers across the country.The suit was filed in federal court in Northern California. Other participating states include New York, Colorado, New Mexico, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Nevada. 

The states criticize the Trump administration for its lax approach to antitrust enforcement, with Bonta stating officials “are not just missing in action, they are making things worse,” citing the Ticketmaster and Nexstar-Tegna deals.

The coalition is asking the court to prevent the companies from closing the merger until the case concludes and has signaled it will seek a temporary restraining order if needed.

Carr: Any Reclassifying Of The View Becomes Licensee's Burden

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr appearing on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” defended the agency’s scrutiny of ABC’s The View, broadcasters’ public interest obligations, and outline plans for broadcast license reviews and spectrum policy.

In the wide-ranging interview, Carr addressed Disney/ABC’s recent filing that sought to classify The View as a “bona fide news program” exempt from equal-time rules. He questioned whether the daytime talk show still meets that standard today compared to its 2002 evaluation, citing concerns over partisan commentary by hosts like Whoopi Goldberg.

Carr emphasized the long-standing FCC test for newsworthiness: programming decisions must prioritize news value over partisan political purposes. He clarified that reclassifying The View would not force the show to host specific candidates but would require affiliated TV stations to provide comparable airtime and placement to legally qualified political candidates under equal opportunity rules.

Heidi Raphael Named President/CEO of the NYSBA

The New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) today announced the appointment of Heidi Raphael as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding longtime President and CEO David Donovan.

Donovan, who has led the Association for the past 15 years, will transition from the President and CEO role later this year while continuing to direct NYSBA’s government relations and advocacy efforts in Albany and Washington, D.C. Under his leadership, NYSBA strengthened its position as one of the nation’s leading state broadcast associations, advancing the interests of broadcasters through advocacy, education, professional development, public service initiatives, and industry engagement.

Radio Broadcasters Are In Washington This Week

Hundreds of radio broadcasters from 31 states are in Washington this week, summoned by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), to lobby Congress for legislation requiring AM radio in all new cars and trucks.

On Tuesday, the broadcasters will meet directly with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to argue that preserving AM access is essential for public safety. They contend that AM radio remains a critical lifeline for delivering emergency alerts during natural disasters, national emergencies, or when cellular networks fail. 

The group will also highlight AM’s unique role in serving rural agricultural communities, communities of color, and other underrepresented audiences through local, in-language, religious, and culturally specific programming.

The push centers on bipartisan legislation introduced in both chambers. In the Senate, the bill is sponsored by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts). In the House, it is led by Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-Florida) and Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey). The Senate version already has 41 co-sponsors.

The NAB has lined up endorsements from a broad coalition, including the National Emergency Management Association, Native Public Media, SAG-AFTRA, and the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters.

Automakers and the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) strongly oppose the mandate. The CTA has warned that forcing AM radios into every vehicle would raise production costs, slow innovation in vehicle safety features, and limit advancements in entertainment and connectivity technologies.

The high-profile lobbying day underscores a growing standoff between the broadcasting industry, which sees AM as vital infrastructure, and the auto sector, which views the requirement as outdated government intervention in rapidly evolving vehicle technology.

Elvis Duran Spearheads New Podcast Development Initiative

Podrophenia, a new premium podcast, vodcast, and creator development company, launched today by The Elvis Duran Group, Looking4Larry, and MCM Studios.

The venture aims to help creators, brands, and media personalities develop, produce, grow, distribute, and monetize high-quality content through full-service production, strategic support, and distribution.

Founded by broadcasting icon Elvis Duran, WWE Hall of Famer and entertainment executive Paul Heyman, Emmy Award-winning producer Mitchel Stuart, and media entrepreneur Michael Canzoniero, Podrophenia combines decades of expertise in broadcasting, entertainment, production, and audience development. 

The company addresses the challenges of a crowded podcast market—where millions of shows compete for attention—by emphasizing premium execution. Services include high-end production and post-production, show development, audience growth strategies, marketing, sponsorships, and distribution support.

Podrophenia-produced content gains immediate access to one of the largest audio platforms in the world through the Elvis Duran Group’s partnership with iHeartMedia and the Elvis Duran Podcast Network.

“I’ve seen firsthand the need for a state-of-the-art production facility for content creators, particularly podcasters,” said Elvis Duran. “With Paul Heyman and MCM Studios, we’re playing with the big boys!”

Elvis Duran

Paul Heyman added: “Podrophenia is the first studio specifically customized to the host’s personality and the concept. We’re not just building a content hub for creators, we’re building a creator hub for the content.”

The company operates from MCM Studios’ state-of-the-art Manhattan facility, which features sound-controlled studios, customizable sets, broadcast-quality audio and cinematic lighting, green rooms, and collaborative spaces. MCM has previously supported productions for Diary of a CEO, Hot Ones, Keke Palmer, major podcast networks, and other high-profile clients.

Mitchel Stuart, Co-Founder of Looking4Larry and Podrophenia, said: “Creators today need more than a microphone and a platform—they need production excellence, audience development, marketing support, distribution pathways, and opportunities to build sustainable businesses. Podrophenia brings all of those capabilities together in one creator-focused ecosystem.”

At the All-Star Break: MLB Attendance Shows Slight Uptick

Tropicana Stadium

MLB attendance is up 1.1% league-wide as of the 2026 All-Star Break, on pace for a fourth consecutive season above 70 million fans.

The surging Tampa Bay Rays lead all of baseball with a 70.9% year-over-year increase, averaging 16,835 fans per game after returning to full-capacity Tropicana Field (25,025). The Rays currently own the best record in the American League.

The Chicago White Sox, despite three straight 100-loss seasons entering 2026, have jumped 36.5% to 23,137 fans per game at Rate Field while sitting atop the AL Central. The Toronto Blue Jays have posted a 31.5% increase to 40,488 at Rogers Centre following their AL pennant run last year, and the Seattle Mariners are up 23% to 34,532 at T-Mobile Park after their deep postseason appearance.

“Our team’s run last year and the joy they played with built a bond with our fans across the country,” Blue Jays President & CEO Mark Shapiro told SBJ. “The timing of our renovation… helped to strengthen that connection and has resulted in the attendance we have seen this year.”

The Pittsburgh Pirates (20,493) and Oakland Athletics (10,784) are both up more than 10% as well.

Attendance leaders

• Dodgers: 50,544 (down 0.2%)
• Padres: 41,253 (down 2.5%)
• Yankees: 40,775 (down 4.4%)
• Blue Jays: 40,488 (up 31.5%)
• Phillies: 39,375 (down 5.3%)

Biggest declines include the Royals (down 16.8% to 18,897), Astros (down 6.6%), Nationals (down 6.5%), and Orioles (down 6%).The five lowest-drawing teams are the Athletics, Marlins (12,724, up 8.7%), Rays, Royals, and Pirates.

Good Morning! Here's The Pulse for Tuesday, July 14

Radio Broadcasting

Court Ruling Favors Cumulus: A federal appeals court has affirmed an order preventing Nielsen Holdings Plc from requiring customers who subscribe to its nationwide ratings data to also purchase its local ratings services, ruling that the company’s tying practices harmed radio station owner Cumulus Media New Holdings Inc., which is now in bankruptcy.

The Secret Personalities Discover: Today's media landscape is more crowded than ever, but human nature hasn't changed. Whether you're an air talent, a podcaster, a YouTuber, or a content creator, audiences still make the same decision they always have, "Do I want to spend time with this person again?"

New PresidentCEO For NYSBA: The New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) today announced the appointment of Heidi Raphael as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding longtime President and CEO David Donovan.

Court Blocks Nielsen From Enforcing Bundled Ratings Services

A federal appeals court has affirmed an order preventing Nielsen Holdings Plc from requiring customers who subscribe to its nationwide television and audio ratings data to also purchase its local ratings services, ruling that the company’s tying practices harmed radio station owner Cumulus Media New Holdings Inc., which is now in bankruptcy.

In a Monday opinion written by U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit Judge Alison J. Nathan, the court agreed that a lower district court properly credited evidence showing Cumulus would suffer irreparable harm without interim relief. 

The decision keeps Nielsen from enforcing the bundled purchase requirement while the underlying antitrust dispute continues.

ESPN Signs Adam Schefter As Senior NFL Insider

ESPN has signed Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter to a new multi-year agreement that will extend his tenure with the company beyond 20 years, ensuring one of sports media’s most trusted and recognizable voices remains at the center of ESPN’s NFL coverage for years to come. Schefter remains one of the industry’s most respected insiders, having helped modernize this coveted reporting position during his entire tenure at ESPN, which began in 2009.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential reporters in sports, Schefter breaks the NFL’s biggest stories and delivers real-time reporting across ESPN’s platforms with unmatched speed and accuracy. From blockbuster trades and coaching moves to free agency signings and contract extensions, he is often the first to report the news—doing so live on the air, phone in hand, as developments unfold in real time.

Throughout the year, Schefter will remain a fixture across ESPN’s platforms, appearing regularly on Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, NFL Live, The Pat McAfee Show, SportsCenter, Get Up, First Take and ESPN’s signature coverage of the NFL Draft, Super Bowl and other marquee league events. Beyond his on-air appearances, Schefter’s reporting reaches fans around the clock through ESPN.com, ESPN Digital and both ESPN’s and his own social media platforms.

Houston Radio: KILT 610 Raises $24K+ Benefitting Food Bank

Reggie Adetula and Ron Hughley

SportsRadio 610 (KILT-AM), an Audacy sports station in Houston, completed its second annual “Reggie and Ron Radiothon,” raising over $24,000 for the Houston Food Bank. Serving Houston and Southeast Texas since 1982, the Houston Food Bank advocates for food security and nutrition, providing access to nutritious meals for families who need them most.

“What we do is powerful, and our listeners jumped at the chance to rally around our station and city, which is just further proof of the impact we make for our fellow Houstonians,” said Parker Hillis, Brand Manager, SportsRadio 610. “I’m grateful we have a team here at Audacy Houston who are committed to campaigns like this year-round.”

Radio History: July 14

➦In 1917...Douglas Edwards born (Died at age 73 – October 13, 1990). He anchored CBS's first network nightly television news broadcast from 1947–1962, which was later to be titled CBS Evening News.

Douglas Edwards

Edwards joined CBS Radio in 1942, eventually becoming anchor for the regular evening newscast The World Today as well as World News Today on Sunday afternoons. Edwards came to CBS, after stints as a newscaster and announcer at WSB in Atlanta, Georgia and WXYZ in Detroit, Michigan.

In the mid-1940s, Edwards was host of the radio program Behind the Scenes at CBS.

In 1947, as CBS's top correspondents and commentators shunned the fledgling medium of television, Edwards was chosen to present regular CBS television news programs and to host CBS's television coverage of the 1948 Democratic and Republican conventions. The term "anchor" would not be used until 1952, when CBS News chief Sig Mikelson would use it to describe Walter Cronkite's role in the network's political convention coverage.

At first, Edwards would be eclipsed by John Cameron Swayze of NBC News's Camel News Caravan, but he would eventually regain his ratings lead. By the mid-1950s, the nightly 15-minute newscast Douglas Edwards with the News was watched by nearly 30 million viewers.

Edwards' last newscast on the evening news was on April 13, 1962. Edwards was replaced by Walter Cronkite, and the program became Walter Cronkite with the News. On September 2, 1963, the program was retitled CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite and became the first half-hour weeknight news broadcast of network television and was moved to 6:30 p.m. .

Edwards subsequently moved back to CBS Radio, where he delivered the network's flagship evening newscasts The World Tonight for many years.

➦In 1927...NBC newsman John Chancellor was born in Chicago. He spent most of his career with NBC News. He served as anchor of the NBC Nightly News from 1970 to 1982 and continued to do editorials and commentaries for NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw until 1993.

During the 1976 election he introduced the concept of Red and Blue states, which survives to this day.

He died of stomach cancer July 12 1996, two days shy of his 69th birthday.

➦In 1957…Master satirist Stan Freberg debuted a new weekly comedy program on CBS Radio Network in the time slot previously occupied by Jack Benny.

Study: Listeners Comfortable With AI Voices

The research by Harker Bos Group’s Crowd React Media, conducted in May and June, tested 1,326 weekly radio listeners ages 18-45. Participants listened to station imaging and promotional spots recorded in both human and AI versions without knowing which they were hearing. 

Human and AI voices scored nearly identically across key attributes, with listeners showing only slight preference for disclosure of human talent.

In the blind test, just 59% of those who heard the professional human voice (by actor Neil Wilson) correctly identified it as human. Among those who heard the AI version, only 55% correctly identified it as synthetic — meaning nearly half mistook it for a real person.

Ratings for professionalism, authenticity, credibility, energy, and likability were statistically indistinguishable between the two. Overall appeal was essentially tied at 60% for human and 61% for AI on one of the spots. The only notable difference was humor, with 33% calling the human voice funny compared to 26% for AI.

After learning which version they heard, attitudes shifted more on principle than quality: