Cumulus Media Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Plan

Cumulus Media Inc. today announced that it has entered into a comprehensive restructuring support agreement with a group of its lenders to eliminate approximately $600 million of debt, substantially deleveraging its balance sheet and enhancing its ability to execute on strategic priorities. 

The Company will continue operating in the ordinary course throughout the process, with no impact to employees, partners, or listeners. 

“While we have outperformed the market on many of our most important metrics, including share gains in both local and digital revenue, the broader macroeconomic and industry-wide pressures we have faced have remained unrelenting,” said Mary G. Berner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cumulus Media. “Against that backdrop, it became clear that Cumulus’s remaining debt burden limited our ability to fully realize the Company’s potential, and this agreement represents a major step forward.”

Berner continued, “The prepackaged process is intended to address the Company’s debt efficiently with no disruption to our operations, our people, and our strategies. On emergence, a stronger financial foundation will better position Cumulus to continue investing in premium content, enriched audience experiences, advertiser performance enhancements, and the ongoing growth of our digital marketing o9erings.”

To implement the Agreement, Cumulus and certain of its subsidiaries commenced prepackaged Chapter 11 proceedings in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas (the “Court”) on March 5, 2026. In conjunction with the Chapter 11 petitions, Cumulus has filed a proposed Plan of Reorganization that incorporates the terms of the RSA and is subject to approval by the Court. The requisite majority of debtholders committed to vote in favor of the Plan, which calls for the cancellation of 100% of the Company’s existing funded indebtedness in exchange for 100% of the Company’s reorganized equity and $50 million of new convertible notes, as well as the amendment and restatement of the Company’s asset-based revolving credit facility to provide continued liquidity.

Cumulus Files For Bankruptcy: Where Things Stand

The announcement today of the bankuptcy plan marks Cumulus’s second Chapter 11 filing in under a decade. The first occurred in November 2017 (also prepackaged), when the company shed more than $1 billion in debt and emerged in June 2018 with a leaner capital structure and new equity ownership for creditors.

Post-2018, Cumulus has faced ongoing challenges typical of traditional radio:

• Declining advertising revenue amid competition from streaming, podcasts, and digital platforms.
• Macroeconomic pressures (e.g., slower ad spending).
• A still-heavy debt load that limited flexibility despite cost cuts and operational improvements.

In its most recent reported quarter (Q3 2025), net revenue fell about 11.5% year-over-year, though the company noted it continued to gain local and digital revenue share in some markets and was investing in AI efficiencies. CEO Mary G. Berner stated that the debt burden had become a constraint even as the company outperformed the broader radio market on key metrics. The restructuring, she said, positions Cumulus “to invest in premium content, enriched audience experiences, enhanced advertiser performance, and expanded digital marketing offerings” once it emerges with a much cleaner balance sheet.
Cumulus is one of the largest U.S. radio broadcasters (second only to iHeartMedia in station count at times), owning/operating hundreds of stations across dozens of markets, plus the Westwood One national syndication network (reaching thousands of affiliate stations) and a podcast network. It trades over-the-counter (OTCQB: CMLS) and has its headquarters in Atlanta.What This Means Going Forward

• For the company: A fresh start with virtually no funded debt (other than the new $50M convertible notes and the amended revolver), far greater financial flexibility, and the ability to focus on growth initiatives rather than debt service.
• For stakeholders: Existing equity holders will likely be wiped out (standard in these debt-for-equity swaps). Lenders become the new owners. Employees, vendors, and listeners see continuity.
• Industry context: Radio groups have been under pressure for years; this filing echoes broader media-sector deleveraging trends but is presented as a proactive, consensual “fix” rather than a distress-driven collapse.

Comparison: Bankruptcy Plans

Cumulus Media's March 5, 2026, prepackaged Chapter 11 is a quicker, more thorough "cleanup" compared to its November 29, 2017, filing. Both were prepackaged (pre-negotiated with major creditors via RSA for faster resolution) and aimed to cut debt overhang amid radio industry declines, with no disruption to stations, programming, or operations.

Here's a concise side-by-side:

Similarities: Prepackaged, consensual, debt-for-equity core, led by CEO Mary Berner, no operational impact, old equity wiped out.Main Differences: 2026 is smaller-scale, faster, and more aggressive (virtually debt-free vs. still ~$1.3B debt post-2018), positioning Cumulus better for digital/content investments without the prior overhang.This reflects radio's ongoing challenges but shows proactive steps rather than crisis.

Good Morning! Let's Check The Pulse For Thursday, March 5

🔎Radio Broadcasting

NAB State Leadership Conference Wraps with Strong Bipartisan Support for Radio Priorities:  The National Association of Broadcasters' (NAB) annual State Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., concluded this week with a record turnout of broadcasters. Key highlights include Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and John Barrasso (R-WY) rallying attendees to push back against performance royalties on radio airplay and to protect AM radio access amid ongoing FCC proceedings. NAB leaders emphasized lifting outdated ownership caps to allow more consolidation for local stations to compete in a digital landscape. The event also celebrated the 2026 NAB Crystal Radio Award winners for outstanding community service, underscoring radio's role in public emergencies and local news.

FCC March Open Meeting Advances Broadcast Rule Modernization: FCC Chairman Brendan Carr previewed the agency's March Open Meeting agenda, which includes votes on the "Re: Delete, Delete, Delete" initiative to eliminate outdated regulations. This targets streamlining broadcast rules (e.g., ownership, technical, and operational requirements) to reduce burdens on radio stations. Industry groups like NAB view this as a win for operational flexibility, especially for smaller and rural broadcasters facing economic challenges. READ MORE

Ongoing Media Consolidation and Layoff Concerns Spill Over to Radio:  While major headlines focus on TV/streaming mergers (e.g., Paramount-Skydance acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, with fears of $6B+ in synergies leading to cuts), radio owners and groups face parallel pressures. Smaller deals continue, such as JKC Media's $800K purchase of AC station WIFM in Elkin, NC. Broader industry cost-cutting, including at local TV/radio clusters under owners like Nexstar, raises fears of shared newsrooms and reduced local radio staffing/news operations.

🔎Media Industry

Massive Layoff Fears Dominate Post-Merger Discussions in Hollywood:  The Paramount Skydance acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (valued at around $110 billion, finalized after Netflix withdrew its bid) continues to spark widespread concern over potential job losses. Executives claim most of the targeted $6 billion in synergies will come from "non-labor sources" like operational efficiencies, but industry insiders and employees fear devastating cuts across studios, streaming services (including the planned merger of Paramount+ and HBO Max), news divisions (e.g., CNN), and production teams. This follows earlier waves of reductions at networks like CBS, ABC affiliates, and local stations owned by groups like Nexstar. Analysts warn this could reshape Hollywood's workforce and output capacity significantly.

🔎U-S News

Escalating US-Israel War with Iran Reaches New Phase:  The conflict has widened dramatically, with US and Israeli forces continuing intense strikes on Tehran, leadership targets, and other sites in Iran. Israel launched a new broad wave of attacks, while Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on US/Israeli bases, Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut/Lebanon, and even targets farther afield (e.g., an Iranian drone hit an Amazon data center in Bahrain). A US submarine sank an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka using a torpedo—the first such combat use since World War II—marking a significant escalation beyond the Middle East. NATO intercepted an Iranian missile aimed at Turkey. Over 1,000 people (including civilians and children) have been reported killed in Iran since the war began, with US officials vowing deeper strikes and claiming Iran's air force and navy are largely "knocked out." President Trump and allies describe the US as "winning decisively" in "Operation Epic Fury," with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stating complete airspace control is imminent.

US Military Casualties and Evacuations;   The Pentagon identified all six US service members killed in an Iranian drone strike on a port/operations center in Kuwait (the first American deaths in the war). Emotional tributes continue, and more casualties are expected. Thousands of Americans are stranded or evacuating the Middle East as the US closes embassies, reduces staff, and urges commercial departures. Concerns rise over weapon stockpiles for allies defending against Iranian attacks.

Domestic Political Fallout and Polling:  Public disapproval is high—a CNN poll shows 59% of Americans disapprove of the Iran strikes, with many fearing a long-term war. Cracks appear in Trump's MAGA base, with some prominent figures criticizing the conflict. Other US political notes include Montana Sen. Steve Daines dropping his reelection bid, Rep. Tony Gonzales admitting an affair amid censure efforts, and various primary developments (e.g., in Texas and Arkansas).

Nielsen Launching mSurvey Measurement April 2

Nielsen has officially rolled out its new mobile survey platform, known as mSurvey, marking a major shift from traditional paper diaries to digital reporting for radio audience measurement. 

The hard launch begins with the Spring 2026 survey period, allowing participants to log their radio listening habits electronically via smartphone.

This mobile-first tool modernizes how radio stations and advertisers capture listening data, addressing long-standing challenges with paper-based diaries such as lower response rates and potential inaccuracies. mSurvey complements the existing Diary service rather than fully replacing it immediately, but it represents a key step toward more accurate, convenient, and representative audience insights in an era of widespread smartphone use.

The platform enables respondents to report listening in real time or shortly after, potentially improving participation among harder-to-reach demographics and enhancing data quality for radio markets that rely on diary methodology (primarily smaller and mid-sized markets not using Portable People Meter technology).

Development of mSurvey followed years of planning, including initial unveilings in 2024, sample testing, and a broader fresh sample evaluation in Spring 2025 before the full rollout. Industry sources indicate this transition aims to better reflect modern listening behaviors, including mobile and out-of-home consumption, while helping control sample costs through improved efficiency.

Nielsen encourages radio clients, broadcasters, and stakeholders to contact their local representatives for details on how mSurvey will integrate into the Spring 2026 survey cycle and its implications for ratings data.

The launch comes amid broader Nielsen efforts to evolve audio measurement, including adjustments to sampling methods and other innovations to align with shifting media consumption patterns. The move is expected to provide more timely and precise data for radio programming, advertising sales, and market strategy decisions starting in the designated period.

TV Ratings: FOX News Channel Leads ABC And NBC In Primetime

FOX News Channel (FNC) finished the week of February 23rd leading ABC and NBC in Monday-Sunday primetime viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research Big Data + Panel. Averaging 3.9 million Monday-Sunday primetime viewers and 482,000 in the 25-54 demo, FNC led ABC (2.9 million viewers) and NBC (2.7 million viewers), according to Nielsen Big Data + Panel. Monday - Sunday total day (6 AM-6 AM/ET), FNC delivered over 2.3 million viewers and 263,000 in the 25-54 demo. 

FNC posted its highest rated Saturday since April 2003 with 3 million viewers across total day delivering its highest-rated weekend since July 13-14, 2024, which saw 2.7 million viewers. The network also delivered 4 million viewers in primetime. Additionally, FOX News Media’s coverage of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24th was the highest-rated in television with an audience of 11.5 million viewers and 1.9 million in the 25-54 demo across FNC, FOX Network and FOX Business Network according to final big data + panel from Nielsen Media Research.

On Saturday, FNC’s special coverage of the U.S.- Israeli strikes on Iran posted its highest rated Saturday since April 2003 across total day with 3 million viewers. In primetime on Saturday, FNC drew 4 million viewers and 517,000 in the 25-54 demo. Saturday in America, anchored by Kayleigh McEnany and Bret Baier (Saturday, 10 AM–12 PM/ET; 4 million viewers) posted its highest-rated episode in program history. The Story with Martha MacCallum’s 5PM hour delivered the highest rated hour of the day posting 4,667,000 viewers and outpaced NBC’s Saturday Night Live which saw 4,611,000 viewers. America’s Newsroom (12-2PM/ET) anchored by Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino delivered 3.7 million viewers, America Reports (2-4PM/ET) anchored by Sandra Smith and John Roberts nabbed 3.8 million viewers, Special Report with Bret Baier (6-7PM/ET) followed in second with over 4.4 million viewers, The Ingraham Angle (7-8PM/ET) and Jesse Watters Primetime (8-9PM/ET) delivered over 4 million viewers, and Hannity (9-10PM/ET) nabbed 3.9 million viewers.

On Sunday, FNC’s special coverage continued, delivering 2.6 million viewers and 347,000 in the 25-54 demo across 6A-3A total day and 3.1 million viewers and 475,000 in the 25-54 demo across primetime. Sunday Morning Futures anchored by Maria Bartiromo (Sunday, 10 AM/ET; 3.4 million viewers) and The Sunday Briefing anchored by Jacqui Heinrich (Sunday, 11 AM/ET; 2.8 million viewers) both posted their highest-rated episodes in program history. A special edition of The Faulkner Focus (Sunday, 12-2PM/ET) and The Will Cain Show (8-9PM/ET) averaged over 3 million viewers, while Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy (Sunday, 9 PM/ET; 3.3 million viewers) posted its highest-rated episode in program history.

FOX News Media’s coverage of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24th was the highest-rated in television with an audience of 11.5 million viewers and 1.9 million in A25-54 demo across FNC, FOX Network and FOX Business Network according to final big data + panel from Nielsen Media Research. Co-anchored by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, FNC’s programming surrounding the address that began at 9 PM/ET delivered 8.9 million viewers and 1.3 million in the 25-54 demo, topping broadcast networks ABC, NBC and CBS in viewers head-to-head and all cable networks across the board. The network also drew the largest audience during the democratic response, averaging 4.7 million viewers and 715,000 in A25-54

The Five delivered over 4.1 million viewers and 380,000 in the 25-54 demo, securing 64% share of cable news viewers for the hour. At 6 PM/ET, Special Report with Bret Baier averaged 3.4 million viewers and 325,000 in the 25-54 demo. The Ingraham Angle at 7PM/ET averaged 3.2 million viewers and 333,000 in the 25-54 demo. Jesse Watters Primetime delivered 3.9 million viewers and 431,000 in the 25-54 demo at 8 PM/ET, marking its highest rated week of the year. At 9 PM/ET, Hannity averaged 3.3 million viewers and 368,000 in the 25-54 demo. FOX News & Night with Trace Gallagher at 11PM/ET nabbed 1.7 million viewers.

Ratings Graphics Courtesy of RoadMN

FNC’s late-night hit Gutfeld! (weekdays, 10 PM/ET) averaged 3.1 million viewers and delivered 345,000 in the 25-54 demo, continuing to lead all late-night competition in total viewers and the 25-54 demo. It also continued to outpace the broadcast competition including CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2 million viewers; 266,000 A25-54), ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! (1.8 million viewers; 270,000 A25-54) and NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (1.1 million viewers; 237,000 A25-54).

FNC continued to see its daytime programs outperform the broadcast competition. America’s Newsroom (weekdays, 9AM-11AM/ET; 2,442,000 viewers), The Faulkner Focus (weekdays, 11AM-12PM/ET; 2,454,000 viewers), Outnumbered (weekdays, 12 PM/ET; 2,292,000 viewers), America Reports (weekdays, 1PM-3PM/ET; 2,371,000 viewers), The Story with Martha MacCallum (weekdays, 3PM/ET; 2,878,000 viewers) and The Will Cain Show (weekdays, 4 PM/ET; 2,645,000 viewers) all led CBS Mornings (1.8 million viewers) and ABC’s GMA 3 (1.4 million viewers). Notably, The Story with Martha MacCallum outpaced ABC’s The View (2.7 million viewers) for the week .

Source: Nielsen. Big Data + Panel. Week of 2-23-26 ratings data. Average audience for cable news networks Monday - Sunday programming and Monday-Sunday based on Total Day and Prime (6a-6a, 8P-11P), P2+, P25-54. Cable News/Broadcast Program averages includes all programing and sustainers.

Winter Olympics' Halo Helping Drive NBC During Primetime

The week of February 23, 2026 (roughly February 23–March 1, encompassing the tail end of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics), saw continued strong performance from NBC in primetime due to Olympics coverage wrapping up around that period. 

This boosted NBC significantly compared to regular programming weeks, while ABC and CBS relied more on standard scripted series, news, and specials (including potential State of the Union coverage impacts around late February).

Here's a summary based on reported figures from Nielsen (via Big Data + Panel), industry sources, and network notes:

Broadcast Networks Primetime (ABC, NBC, CBS)NBC dominated primetime during this late-February stretch, largely thanks to the closing days of the Winter Olympics (Milano Cortina 2026). The games averaged high viewership in primetime slots, with peaks from events like hockey and closing ceremonies. For the broader February 2026 weekday primetime: 

• NBC averaged around 6.88 million total viewers (heavily Olympics-driven), far outpacing competitors. Olympics coverage delivered some of the highest Winter Games audiences since 2014, nearly doubling 2022 Beijing numbers in key periods. Regular shows like The Voice, Stumble, and others benefited from lead-ins or occasional crossovers.
• ABC held steady in the middle tier, with weekday primetime averaging about 3.23 million total viewers for February 2026 overall. Hits like American Idol (strong on Mondays, e.g., around 6 million viewers in some slots), High Potential, and news specials performed well, but without major live events, it trailed NBC. Shows like 20/20 and dramas saw modest gains in some nights.
• CBS struggled relatively, averaging around 1.96 million in weekday primetime for February (noted as historically low for the month). FBI, The Neighborhood, Survivor, NCIS, and Tracker provided solid anchors (e.g., FBI surging on Mondays), but overall primetime was down year-over-year, with CBS posting its weakest February since 2000 in some metrics. Multiplatform (including streaming) helped series like Tracker rank high for non-sports broadcast.

Note: Evening news (often leading into primetime) showed ABC's World News Tonight leading (8-9 million weekly averages in early 2026 periods), followed by NBC Nightly News (7-8 million, boosted by Olympics), and CBS Evening News (~4-5 million, at historic lows).

Top Cable Channels

Cable was led by news and sports, with Fox News Channel frequently topping overall cable (and even surpassing CBS in primetime for February). Key February 2026 cable highlights:

Fox News: Primetime averaged 2.6 million viewers (Monday-Sunday), with weekday primetime around 3.1 million. It outpaced CBS in primetime for the month (2.6M vs. CBS's 2.4M) and dominated cable news, accounting for all top 100 cable news telecasts. Strong gains in total day (1.7 million).

Other notables:

• MS NOW: Primetime ~1.1-1.14 million, trailing Fox but ahead of CNN in total viewers.
• CNN: Primetime ~800,000-900,000, with some demo strength but overall lower.
• ESPN: Solid when sports aired (e.g., college basketball, NBA), but post-Olympics dips; ranked high in some weekly snapshots but not as dominant as during peak events.
• Entertainment cable (e.g., USA, TNT, TBS): Typically in the 200,000-500,000 range for averages, with reruns and dramas steady but not topping charts amid Olympics/news competition.

Overall, the week reflected the Olympics' lingering boost for NBC (and cable sports/news), while broadcast networks showed ongoing linear declines offset by live events and multiplatform viewing. Fox News continued its cable dominance, often ranking above or near lower broadcast nets. For precise night-by-night or show-specific numbers, check sources like Nielsen, USTVDB, or TV Series Finale for updates. Ratings can vary by demo (e.g., 18-49 vs. total viewers) and include streaming where noted.

TV Ratings: ABC's WNT Leads Broadcast Evening Newscasts

“World News Tonight with David Muir” ranked as the No. 1 newscast in all of broadcast and cable in Total Viewers (8.642 million), Adults 25-54 (1.028 million) and Adults 18-49 (759,000) during the week of Feb. 23, 2026, based on Live+Same Day Big Data Plus Panel Program Ratings from Nielsen Media Research.

• “World News Tonight” outdelivered “NBC Nightly News” (6.788 million, 989,000 and 689,000, respectively) in Total Viewers (+27%/+1.854 million), Adults 25-54 (+4%/+39,000) and Adults 18-49 (+10%/+70,000).
• “World News Tonight” increased its Total Viewer lead over “NBC Nightly News” by its largest margin in 4 weeks and by double digits both week to week (+46% – 1.854 million vs. 1.272 million) and year to year (+22% – 1.854 million vs. 1.522 million).
• For the 6th week running, “World News Tonight” grew its Total Viewer audience year to year (+6%/+479,000 – 8.642 million vs. 8.163 million).
• For the 3rd consecutive week, “World News Tonight” (8.642 million, 1.028 million and 759,000, respectively) doubled the “CBS Evening News” audience (4.170 million, 504,000 and 380,000, respectively) and outdelivered the program by triple digits in Total Viewers (+107%/+4.472 million), Adults 25-54 (+104%/+524,000) and Adults 18-49 (+100%/+379,000).
• “World News Tonight” increased its advantage over the “CBS Evening News” versus the same week last year in Total Viewers (+18% – 4.472 million vs. 3.778 million) and Adults 25-54 (+11% – 524,000 vs. 470,000).

NOTE: On Tuesday (2/24/26), “World News Tonight” was retitled to “WNT-ABC” and “NBC Nightly News” was retitled to “NBC Nitely News.” The retitled telecasts are excluded from the weekly and season averages. The weekly averages for “World News Tonight” and “NBC Nightly News” are based on four days (Monday and Wednesday-Friday).

LA Radio: KYSR-FM Slots Nicole Alvarez To Middays

iHeartMedia's Alt 98.7 (KYSR-FM) in Los Angeles has appointed veteran radio personality Nicole Alvarez as its new midday host, effective March 2, 2026. Alvarez, a well-known figure in the LA alternative music scene, takes over the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift as part of the station's refreshed weekday programming lineup.

Alvarez brings more than two decades of experience to the role. She began her radio career at age 18 and spent 23 years at crosstown rival KROQ, where she built a reputation for her artist-focused interviews, deep connections within the alternative music community, and passionate advocacy for new music.

The change also sees Christen Limon moving from middays back to the evening slot. Limon will host 6-11 p.m. while continuing in her role as the station's Music Director.

Lisa Worden, iHeartMedia's SVP of Alternative and Rock Programming and Program Director for Alt 98.7, praised the updated schedule, calling it a "totally stacked weekday line-up" that strengthens the station's position in the competitive Los Angeles market.

Nicole Alvarez

Alt 98.7's current weekday lineup now includes:

• 5-10 a.m.: The Woody Show
• 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Nicole Alvarez
• 2-6 p.m.: Booker & Stryker
• 6-11 p.m.: Christen Limon
• 11 p.m.-midnight: Emerging ALT

Alvarez initially joined Alt 98.7 in December 2025 for holiday fill-ins before securing this full-time midday position, marking her return to daily on-air duties in LA following her departure from KROQ.

LI Radio: The Shark Adds Chaz & AJ Simulcast

The long-running rock morning show "Chaz and AJ" is returning to Long Island radio, expanding to mornings on Connoisseur Media's WWSK (94.3 The Shark) beginning Monday, March 9, 2026. The move marks a homecoming for the duo, who first built their audience on Long Island before moving to New Haven in 2003, while the program continues its established weekday mornings on heritage classic rocker 99.1 WPLR in New Haven.

The simulcast reunites Chaz and AJ with the market where their partnership originated. They hosted mornings on WRCN from 1997 to 2003 before crossing Long Island Sound to WPLR, where the show has since become one of rock radio's most enduring and award-winning programs.

"The Chaz and AJ show began on Long Island and it just makes perfect sense to have them return home," said Keith Dakin, SVP of Programming for Connoisseur Media. "The show has always been for and about the listeners, and now we get to add a whole bunch more to the party."

The return holds special significance for AJ, a Huntington, NY native who grew up tuned into Long Island radio. He interned at WBAB, worked at WMJC (the predecessor to 94.3 The Shark), and later hosted mornings at WRCN, where he first teamed up with Chaz in 1997 after Chaz replaced him in the slot the previous year.

"We are thrilled to get back to our roots on Long Island," Chaz and AJ said in a joint statement. "Now we'll wake up audiences on The Shark and on WPLR in New Haven — it truly feels like the best of both worlds.

"Over nearly three decades, the show has cultivated a loyal fanbase known as "The Tribe" and earned accolades including a Marconi Award for Best Morning Show, multiple community service honors, and recognition as one of the Top 5 Rock Morning Shows in the U.S.

As part of the expansion announcement, Chaz has signed a new five-year agreement with Connoisseur Media, underscoring the company's long-term commitment to the program's growth and its expected expansion of listeners across New York and Connecticut.

CBS Stays With Gayle King On CBS This Morning

Gayle King

CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King has signed a new deal with CBS News, securing her continued role at the network amid a major leadership overhaul and recent speculation about her future.

The agreement provides stability for the morning show as CBS News undergoes sweeping changes under new Editor in Chief Bari Weiss. King, who has been with the network for over a decade, dispelled exit rumors with a pointed statement: “Rumors of my demise were inaccurate and greatly exaggerated.” 

She added, “CBS News is my longtime home, and I am committed to our mission. I’m excited about continuing at ‘CBS Mornings.’ ... And now that we are here, I am all in.”Weiss praised the decision, stating, “There is only one Gayle King. We’re so proud that she’ll continue to call CBS home. We’re thrilled to have her on in the morning—and equally excited to work with her on new, enterprising projects that bring her talents to new audiences.”

CBS News President Tom Cibrowski also expressed enthusiasm, noting that King and co-host Nate Burleson form a strong partnership and hinting at upcoming evolutions for the program: “We are excited to continue to evolve ‘CBS Mornings’ and can’t wait for what’s to come.”King's previous contract, worth roughly $15 million and set to expire in May, had fueled speculation about her departure amid industry-wide economic pressures on TV news. 

Many high-profile anchors have faced pay reductions as networks grapple with declining linear revenue and high costs elsewhere.

The renewal comes as Weiss, who assumed her role in October after Paramount acquired her site The Free Press, pursues broad reforms to programming and digital strategy. She reports directly to Paramount CEO David Ellison. Paramount has also agreed to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (owner of CNN), potentially enabling cost savings across the combined news operations.

This follows recent network shifts, including Anderson Cooper's announced departure from 60 Minutes after the current season and Tony Dokoupil's elevation to anchor of the CBS Evening News earlier this winter.

NYC Radio: WABC's Sid Rosenberg Apologizes to Mayor Mamdani

WABC New York (770 AM) morning host Sid Rosenberg has issued a public apology to Mayor Zohran Mamdani following widespread backlash over inflammatory social media comments in which he referred to the mayor as an "America-hating, Jew-hating, Radical Islam cockroach" and a "jihadist."

The apology came on Wednesday during Rosenberg's "Sid & Friends in the Morning" show on the Red Apple Media-owned station. Rosenberg described his original post—made Monday on X (formerly Twitter) and later deleted—as "a bit over the top" and offered what he called a "heartfelt apology" to Mamdani and anyone else offended. He emphasized that he would continue criticizing politicians' policies but regretted the name-calling, noting it was "not nice to call somebody a bug" and claiming the remarks had "nothing to do with anybody’s religion or faith."

The controversy erupted after Rosenberg's post urged President Donald Trump to stop complimenting or meeting with Mamdani, amid apparent discussions on issues like affordability. The post, which garnered significant attention before its removal, drew swift condemnation for its dehumanizing and Islamophobic language.

Mayor Mamdani, New York City's first Muslim mayor, responded Tuesday by calling the comments "hateful," "dehumanizing," and part of a "painfully familiar" pattern of anti-Muslim rhetoric. Speaking at a press conference, he described being labeled a "cockroach," "jihadist," and similar terms as difficult to hear, especially given his background as a Muslim New Yorker born in East Africa. Mamdani thanked supporters and officials who spoke out but said he learned of Rosenberg's apology via social media and had not been contacted directly. He added that "time will tell" how sincere the apology was, while stressing that no amount of such attacks would alter his leadership approach.

Radio host apologizes to Mamdani over 'cockroach,' 'jihadist' comments |... https://t.co/RMN92tfrH6 via @YouTube

— Tom Benson (@Tombenson1) March 5, 2026

The remarks prompted criticism from prominent figures including Gov. Kathy Hochul, who labeled them "hateful, racist, and disgusting"; NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who reportedly messaged Rosenberg personally; and groups like CAIR-NY, which called for his removal from WABC. Other officials, including Sen. Chuck Schumer, denounced the language as bigoted and Islamophobic.

Rosenberg's apology followed intense pushback, including from his station owner John Catsimatidis, though he maintained his right to policy critiques. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in New York political discourse surrounding the new mayor's tenure and broader debates over rhetoric in media and public life.

NBC Sports Makes Jason Benetti Lead Voice for MLB

Jason Benetti

Jason Benetti, one of the most acclaimed play-by-play announcers in sports, has been named the lead voice for NBC Sports' Major League Baseball coverage, including the network's return to Sunday Night Baseball.

NBC officially announced the hire Wednesday. Benetti will debut on March 26, calling the primetime opener as the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers host the Arizona Diamondbacks at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock—the only primetime game on MLB's Opening Day.

As the primary announcer for Sunday Night Baseball, Benetti will pair with a rotating cast of color commentators drawn from local broadcast teams. He is also expected to handle other sports assignments for NBC.

Benetti, who was under contract with Fox Sports, received an early release to join NBC. He will continue as the lead play-by-play announcer for the Detroit Tigers.

This marks a return to NBC for Benetti, who previously called the 18-game MLB Sunday Leadoff package on Peacock in 2022 and handled baseball during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

NBC's MLB coverage revives after a 25-year absence. The broadcast team includes legendary host Bob Costas for the Sunday Night Baseball pregame show. Studio analysts for wild-card telecasts and select regular-season pregame segments feature recently retired stars Joey Votto, Clayton Kershaw, and Anthony Rizzo alongside Costas and Ahmed Fareed.

The 42-year-old Chicago native has risen rapidly in the industry despite being born 10 weeks premature with cerebral palsy, which left him with a limp and other challenges. Benetti has previously called games for the Chicago White Sox, Fox Sports, ESPN, and others.

“The hurdles are not physical for me,” he told Hoops HQ earlier this year. “They are because I don’t look the same as everybody.” His inspiring story and sharp, witty style have made him a standout in sports broadcasting.

Deleting Regulations To Get FCC Attention This Month

The FCC is set to advance significant deregulation for the broadcast industry at its March 2026 Open Meeting, with a planned vote on updates to streamline outdated rules under Chairman Brendan Carr's ongoing "Re: Delete, Delete, Delete" initiative.

The meeting this month will consider an Order that eliminates unnecessary regulatory burdens on broadcasters, particularly radio stations. 

Key changes include:

• Removing redundant requirements for routine AM station facility modification applications.
• Codifying the interpretation of "authorized" stations to encompass both fully licensed stations and those operating under granted construction permits.
• Consolidating rules governing petitions to deny license renewal applications into a single, clearer section.

These steps aim to make licensing processes more straightforward and efficient by aligning formal rules with current Media Bureau practices, cutting red tape without altering core public interest protections.

The proposal builds on the broader "Delete, Delete, Delete" effort launched in 2025, which targets elimination of obsolete FCC regulations across the agency to reduce burdens and promote modernization. 

Industry groups, including the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), have welcomed the moves as a meaningful win. Smaller and rural broadcasters—often strained by economic pressures—stand to gain the most from increased operational flexibility, reduced compliance costs, and faster processing for routine changes like facility adjustments.

Chairman Carr previewed the agenda in early March 2026, framing the actions as part of a continued push to eliminate outdated rules while enhancing consumer protections elsewhere (e.g., robocall enforcement and call center improvements). The initiative reflects a deregulatory priority to help broadcasters adapt in a competitive media landscape.

The full meeting agenda and items remain subject to final confirmation, but the broadcast modernization item signals ongoing relief for an industry navigating technological and economic shifts.