Good Morning: Check The Pulse for Tuesday, April 21

Radio Broadcasting

March PPMs:  Nielsen has begun releasing its March Portable People Meter (PPM) ratings, covering the survey period from March 5 through April 1. The four-week book included the shift to Daylight Saving Time, the arrival of spring, and the start of Passover.

60,000 At NAB Show:  NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said the 2026 NAB Show highlights the rapid, industry-wide transformation of media, as more than 60,000 attendees from over 160 countries gather to see technologies and business models moving quickly from concept to real-world deployment. LeGeyt described the show as a real-time snapshot of the industry’s future, driven primarily by artificial intelligence, streaming sports, and the creator economy.

Katz Add 2 Markets: Key Networks announces that “Tony Katz Today”, the fast-paced, thoughtful midday radio program hosted by Tony Katz, is expanding its national footprint with the addition of two major new affiliates. The program is now airing on 910 AM Superstation in Detroit and NewsTalk 1040 AM/94.5 FM in Tampa, bringing Katz’s unique blend of sharp political analysis, cultural commentary, and real-world insight to listeners in two key markets.

Media Industry

No Kidding:  The satirical news outlet The Onion has purchased Alex Jones' conspiracy theory platform Infowars after roughly 18 months of proceedings in a Texas bankruptcy court, the company announced Monday. Onion CEO Ben Collins said the deal includes the Infowars studio, website, intellectual property, and other assets. The company plans to share profits from the operation with victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, who were awarded roughly $1.5 billion in defamation judgments against Jones.

Cook Departing: Apple CEO Tim Cook announced Monday he will step down after nearly 15 years leading the company, transitioning to the role of executive chairman. Cook, 65, will hand over the chief executive position in September to John Ternus, 50, currently Apple’s head of hardware engineering.

Confront Trump: More than 250 former broadcast journalists, including prominent figures such as Dan Rather, Sam Donaldson, and Ann Curry, are calling on the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) to “forcefully demonstrate opposition” to President Donald Trump’s actions against the press during this Saturday’s annual dinner. In an open letter delivered Monday, the group urged the WHCA to use Trump’s appearance — his first as president at the black-tie event — to push back against what they describe as his efforts to “trample freedom of the press.”

U-S News

Key Deadlines: Trump Administration Faces Key Deadlines on Iran, Cuba. The U.S.-Iran ceasefire is set to expire in days, with uncertainty over whether the two sides will hold talks beforehand. Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Pakistan for peace discussions on Tuesday, one day before the ceasefire ends on Wednesday. President Donald Trump said Monday afternoon that his team would reach a deal “relatively quickly,” but added he is “under no pressure” and will not be rushed.

Cuba Deadline: The Trump administration has given Cuba a two-week deadline to release high-profile political prisoners as a good-faith gesture. The demand is part of broader calls for economic and political reforms on the island. The ultimatum was delivered during a secret meeting in Cuba on April 10, according to a source familiar with the discussions

FBI and 2020 Election:  FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau has gathered “information” supporting President Trump’s long-standing claims that the 2020 election was rigged against him, and that arrests could come soon. “I would say stay tuned this week. You might see a thing or two,” Patel told Fox News. Trump has repeatedly asserted without evidence that the election he lost to Joe Biden was stolen through widespread voter fraud and other irregularities.

Nielsen Releases March PPM Radio Ratings

Nielsen has begun releasing its March Portable People Meter (PPM) ratings, covering the survey period from March 5 through April 1. The four-week book included the shift to Daylight Saving Time, the arrival of spring, and the start of Passover.

New York Market – Adults 6+

iHeartMedia AC WLTW (106.7 Lite FM) reclaimed the #1 position overall, holding steady at a 7.4 share. The win ended a two-book run at the top for Audacy News WINS (1010), which slipped from 7.8 to 7.2 and fell to #2.

iHeartMedia Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) climbed to #3 with its strongest performance since November, rising from 5.0 to 5.6. Audacy Classic Hits WCBS-FM eased to #4 (5.3–5.4), while New York Public Radio N/T WNYC dipped to #5 (5.0–4.9).

Mediaco Urban AC WBLS rose to #6 with its highest share since December (4.4–4.8). SBS Spanish Tropical WSKQ (Mega 97.9) tumbled from #4 to #9, posting its lowest share in more than a year (5.0–4.2), despite gaining 1.4 shares from streaming. WLTW grew its cume audience by 3.2% to 3,758,200. The overall market increased 4.8%.

Adults 25-54:  WLTW held the #1 spot for the second consecutive book. WHTZ moved up to #2 and narrowed the gap with WLTW to under half a share.

Audacy Hot AC WNEW (New 102.7) surged from #9 to #3 with its best 25-54 showing in over a year.
WCBS-FM gained two spots to #4 with a slight increase. iHeartMedia Urban Contemporary WWPR (Power 105.1) fell to #5.

WSKQ dropped from #2 to #7, while Mediaco Rhythmic CHR WQHT (Hot 97) slipped from #5, ending a two-book run of gains.

Los Angeles March PPM Ratings

iHeartMedia AC KOST extended its dominance, ranking #1 for the fifth consecutive book among Adults 6+ with a gain from 6.2 to 6.5.  iHeartMedia Hot AC KBIG (104.3 My FM) climbed to #2 with its strongest share in over a year (5.3–5.9). Audacy Classic Hits KRTH (K-EARTH 101) fell to #3, posting its lowest number in more than a year (5.8–5.0).

Audacy Adult Hits KCBS (93.1 Jack FM) held at #4 (4.5–4.9), while SBS Mexican Regional KLAX (La Raza 97.9) rose to #5 (4.2–4.4). Audacy News KNX slipped from #4 to #6 (4.5–4.1), tied with Audacy Urban AC KTWV (94.7 The Wave), which gained a spot (3.9–4.1).

KOST maintained the largest cume audience, growing 2.8% to 2,280,500. The overall Los Angeles market increased 2.6%.

Adults 25-54:  KBIG and Audacy Alternative KROQ finished tied for #1. KBIG delivered its best book since September, while KROQ posted its highest share in over a year. KOST moved up to #3 with its strongest non-holiday (Frosty-free) performance in exactly one year.

KRTH dropped from #1 to #4 after giving back most of its previous book’s gains.

KCBS eased to #5 with a small increase, narrowly ahead of iHeartMedia Alternative KYSR (Alt 98.7), which held steady at #6.

NAB Showcases Urgent Media Industry Transformation

Curtis LeGeyt

NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said the 2026 NAB Show highlights the rapid, industry-wide transformation of media, as more than 60,000 attendees from over 160 countries gather to see technologies and business models moving quickly from concept to real-world deployment.

LeGeyt described the show as a real-time snapshot of the industry’s future, driven primarily by artificial intelligence, streaming sports, and the creator economy.

“It’s a chance to see where this business is going… to discover the tools and technologies impacting how content is created, distributed and experienced,” he said during the Opening Session.

Across the exhibit floor, LeGeyt noted that many breakthroughs are no longer experimental but actively deployed today. These include AI-powered production tools, cloud-based workflows, and next-generation distribution platforms that are reshaping production, post-production, and content delivery.

Dedicated spaces such as AI Innovation Pavilions and the Creator Lab demonstrate the fast pace of change, while the expanded Sports Summit underscores the growing focus on live sports rights, partnerships, and fan-engagement strategies.

LeGeyt urged industry professionals to extract practical, immediate lessons from the event.

“All of this is designed to do one thing — help you see what’s working now and apply it to your businesses right away,” he said.

He acknowledged the intense pressures facing broadcasters and media companies, noting relentless change and competition from all directions. However, he framed the moment as one of significant opportunity, citing creators scaling their businesses, cloud technology enabling global collaboration, and new platforms creating fresh revenue streams.

No Kidding: The Onion Acquires Alex Jones' Infowars

The satirical news outlet The Onion has purchased Alex Jones' conspiracy theory platform Infowars after roughly 18 months of proceedings in a Texas bankruptcy court, the company announced Monday.

Onion CEO Ben Collins said the deal includes the Infowars studio, website, intellectual property, and other assets. The company plans to share profits from the operation with victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, who were awarded roughly $1.5 billion in defamation judgments against Jones.

"We want them to be able to get paid for real at some point with actual human dollars as part of this process," Collins told independent journalist Pablo Torre. "We have taken over the Infowars studio and the IP and the website and all of that stuff."

The transition is expected to be finalized within a couple of days. Collins said the outlet intends to continue programming under the Infowars brand with rebranding — including replacing the "o" in the logo with The Onion's symbol — and may bring on comedian Tim Heidecker as a potential new host.

The acquisition stems from Jones' legal losses. He was found liable in Texas and Connecticut courts for defaming families of the 20 children and six adults killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre by calling them "crisis actors." Jones filed for bankruptcy, leading to the forced sale of Free Speech Systems assets, including the South Austin studio and production equipment, to pay the judgments.

Jones had attempted to block the sale to The Onion in 2024, but a judge rejected his efforts. Last month, he hinted at the impending shutdown on a podcast, saying, "We've beaten so many attacks. But, finally, we're shutting down in the middle of next month."

Tim Cook To Step Down As Apple CEO In September

Tim Cook

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced Monday he will step down after nearly 15 years leading the company, transitioning to the role of executive chairman.

Cook, 65, will hand over the chief executive position in September to John Ternus, 50, currently Apple’s head of hardware engineering.

The leadership change marks the end of one of the most successful runs in American corporate history. Under Cook’s leadership, Apple’s annual profit quadrupled to more than $110 billion, and the company’s market value surged more than tenfold to $4 trillion, cementing its status as one of the world’s most valuable and influential companies.

Cook took over as CEO in 2011 shortly before the death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. He built a reputation for operational excellence, expanding Apple’s global supply chain across China, India, and 

Brazil while growing its retail presence on five continents. The company became a model for modern technology operations during his tenure.

“He stepped into the world’s biggest shoes — the biggest shoes that anybody on the planet has ever had to step into — and he’s done an amazing job,” said Peter Oppenheimer, Apple’s former chief financial officer from 2004 to 2014.

John Ternus

Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and rose through the ranks overseeing the development of Macs and iPads. He will become the company’s eighth CEO since its founding 50 years ago and only the third since Steve Jobs’ return in 1997.

“I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come,” Ternus said in a statement. “I promise to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century.”

Ternus takes the helm at a critical time. Apple has not launched a major new mainstream product category in years and faces growing questions about its strategy, particularly in artificial intelligence. 

The company has lost several top executives recently, raising investor concerns about management depth. While competitors pour hundreds of billions into AI development, Apple has remained relatively cautious on the technology.

Trump’s Appearance at WHCA Dinner Sparks Debate

President Donald Trump is set to deliver a speech at this Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) black-tie dinner, the first time he has attended the event as commander in chief after boycotting it during his previous term.

The prospect has triggered uncomfortable questions in media and political circles about what message a president who has repeatedly sued, threatened, and criticized the news media will deliver in front of hundreds of prominent journalists.

Concerns also center on how the WHCA — whose stated mission is to defend the First Amendment — will handle a president whose preferred form of speech is speech that favors him. The group is now facing external pressure to deliver some form of onstage rebuke.

Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said on social media that the evening “will be fun!” First Lady Melania Trump is also expected to attend.

The dinner, held at the Washington Hilton and broadcast on C-SPAN, has a history of memorable moments, including Stephen Colbert’s sharp 2006 critique of President George W. Bush and Seth Meyers’ 2011 jokes about Trump’s presidential ambitions. 

Trump, known for his crowd work and sharp timing often compared to insult comic Don Rickles, is widely expected to take shots at the media in attendance.

In a statement, the Correspondents’ Association said it was “happy” Trump accepted the invitation and is “looking forward to hosting him.”

The event celebrates the First Amendment and raises funds for journalism scholarships, but Trump’s participation has reignited debate over whether the dinner should serve as a platform for polite engagement or public pushback against his past actions toward the press.

Former Journalists Urge Trump 'Confrontation' At Nerd Prom

More than 250 former broadcast journalists, including prominent figures such as Dan Rather, Sam Donaldson, and Ann Curry, are calling on the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) to “forcefully demonstrate opposition” to President Donald Trump’s actions against the press during this Saturday’s annual dinner.

In an open letter delivered Monday, the group urged the WHCA to use Trump’s appearance — his first as president at the black-tie event — to push back against what they describe as his efforts to “trample freedom of the press.”

The letter states: “These are not normal times,” and warns that hosting the president without strong protest risks normalizing his attacks on journalists and the First Amendment.

Notable signers include:

• Former CBS anchor Dan Rather
• Former ABC anchor Sam Donaldson
• Former Dateline NBC anchor Ann Curry
• Other veterans such as Linda Douglass and Stephanie Sy

Journalism organizations that backed the letter include the Society of Professional Journalists, National Association of Black Journalists, National Press Photographers Association, Radio Television Digital News Association, and others.

President Trump announced in March that he would attend the April 25 dinner, breaking years of boycotts during his previous term. The event, which celebrates the First Amendment and raises funds for journalism scholarships, is sold out with more than 2,600 attendees expected.

The letter highlights Trump administration actions including:

• Suing multiple major news outlets
• Banning the Associated Press from White House pool reporting
• Revoking press credentials
• Broader efforts to restrict press access and independent journalism

WHCA President Weijia Jiang previously welcomed Trump’s attendance, stating the dinner has long brought together journalists and presidents across party lines.

The push from retired journalists reflects deep divisions within the media community over how — or whether — to publicly challenge the president at what has traditionally been a night of roasts, celebrity appearances, and schmoozing. Some news organizations, such as HuffPost, have already opted out of attending.

The 'Breaking News' Approach is Old News

TV news must shift from chasing trust through breaking headlines and star power to deepening viewers’ engagement with context, depth and emotional reassurance, or risk losing audiences and ratings.

Variety reports Magid, a longtime media consultancy involved in creating the format that became Good Morning America, warns that traditional models based on nonstop breaking-news coverage and celebrity anchors no longer build brand loyalty. Jaime Spencer, Magid’s chief operating officer, says the industry has “fully arrived in the ‘context’ era” — where breaking news remains necessary but is merely an expected service rather than a driver of sustained viewership.

To retain viewers and extend viewing time, Spencer and Magid recommend broadcasters prioritize new attributes that foster deeper understanding and emotional connection, rather than maximizing raw audience reach. That means providing richer context, greater depth, and reassurance that helps audiences make sense of events.

Magid’s guidance follows decades advising networks and local stations and reflects broader changes in how audiences consume information: instant alerts satisfy curiosity, but lasting engagement requires reporting that explains why stories matter and how they affect viewers’ lives.

Trump Administration Accused of Sanctioning Patel 'Hit'

Steve Bannon claimed Monday that the Trump administration permitted Fox News host Maria Bartiromo to carry out a “sanctioned hit” on FBI Director Kash Patel during her Sunday morning interview program.

Mediaite reports Bannon made the accusation on his “War Room” podcast on Rumble while replaying a clip from Bartiromo’s “Sunday Morning Futures” show in which she pressed Patel on whether he had evidence to support President Trump’s repeated assertions that the 2020 election was rigged.

“Absolutely,” Patel replied, before launching into an extended defense and declaring, “We are not going to take this and have not taken this lying down.”

Bannon described the exchange as orchestrated and suggested it was intended to pressure Patel and the FBI.

“Maria Bartiromo, that was a sanctioned hit yesterday on Kash,” Bannon said. “I think somebody wants to know when Kash and the FBI are really going to start to ramp up here.”

BANNON: Maria Bartiromo pulled a "sanctioned hit" on Kash Patel yesterday. I think somebody wants to know when Kash and the FBI are really going to start to ramp up here. pic.twitter.com/r586xdVbg6

— Bannon’s WarRoom (@Bannons_WarRoom) April 20, 2026

He drew a parallel to a March Senate hearing in which Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) sharply questioned then-Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shortly before Trump fired her.

The confrontation occurred as Patel, a longtime Trump ally and former congressman, leads the FBI. Bannon’s comments reflect ongoing tensions and expectations within parts of the MAGA base for more aggressive action by the FBI under Patel’s leadership on issues related to the 2020 election and other Trump priorities.

Bartiromo’s interview and Bannon’s subsequent analysis highlight continued divisions and frustrations among Trump allies over the pace of investigations and accountability efforts in the early months of the new administration.

Detroit, Tampa Radio: Tony Katz Adds Two Markets As Daily Affiliates

Tony Katz

Key Networks, a next generation radio syndication company, announces that “Tony Katz Today”, the fast-paced, thoughtful midday radio program hosted by Tony Katz, is expanding its national footprint with the addition of two major new affiliates.

The program is now airing on 910 AM Superstation in Detroit and NewsTalk 1040 AM/94.5 FM in Tampa, bringing Katz’s unique blend of sharp political analysis, cultural commentary, and real-world insight to listeners in two key markets.

In Detroit, “Tony Katz Today” joins his weekend program, “Tony Katz Weekend”, which has aired on 910 AM Superstation for over a year. In Tampa, NewsTalk 1040AM/94.5FM adds the three-hour daily show to its lineup alongside Katz’s nationally syndicated lifestyle program, “Eat Drink Smoke.”

“Tony Katz Today” airs weekdays from 12:00pm-3:00pm ET on its flagship station, 93.1FM WIBC in Indianapolis, and a growing list of syndicated affiliates including WBT in Charlotte, NC. The show delivers a refreshing alternative to traditional talk radio - focusing on right versus wrong rather than right versus left - while incorporating pop culture, comedy, and discussions on business, art, and food.

Tony Katz said: “Expanding our presence in the Motor City is terrific. Kevin Adell and the whole Superstation team have been highly supportive, and I’m thrilled to grow our footprint there.”

Regarding the Tampa expansion, Katz added: “This is a homecoming of sorts. I met my wife in Tampa, and I still carry a Tampa area code. I appreciate Brad James bringing both Tony Katz Today and Eat Drink Smoke to the market. I can’t wait to smoke a cigar with the listeners of NewsTalk 1040AM.”

Dennis Green, Chief Operating Officer, Key Networks, said: “Tony Katz Today is the next generation of talk radio that any station running this format should consider for their lineup. Tony’s no-holds-barred straight talk on the topics listeners are talking about is something you can’t get anywhere else in talk radio.”

Tony Katz is a husband, father, author, and former business owner with a diverse background in restaurants and merchant services. In addition to “Tony Katz Today”, he hosts the nationally syndicated “Eat Drink Smoke” radio show and podcast and is a frequent cable news commentator.

The show is available live through syndicator Key Networks on participating stations, via major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and through on-demand audio.

✅To see if “Tony Katz Today” is available for your station, contact Dennis Green, Chief Operating Officer, Key Networks, at 844.KEY.NETS or dennis@keynetworks.com.

➤For advertisers and sponsors, contact Ron Russo, President of Sales, Key-United, at rrusso@key-united.com.

CNN Resurrects Larry King...Sort of...

• CNN to stream ‘The Best of Larry King’ on its digital platforms

CNN is reviving archival interviews from longtime host Larry King with a new streaming series, “The Best of Larry King,” featuring curated classic conversations from his 25-year run on the network.

The collection will be available on CNN.com/Watch and CNN’s subscription-based streaming app, with new episodes released every Friday through June 19.

King, who died in January 2021, hosted “Larry King Live” on CNN from 1985 to 2010. The program featured high-profile interviews with politicians, celebrities, and newsmakers — including Ross Perot, the Beatles, and their spouses — in a relaxed, non-confrontational style.“

For decades, ‘Larry King Live’ brought viewers face-to-face with the people shaping our world,” said Amy Entelis, executive vice president for talent and content development at CNN Worldwide. “This collection celebrates those unforgettable conversations, making them accessible to audiences in a new way.”

The series highlights King’s signature look of bright dress shirts and suspenders and reflects an earlier era of television before heavy use of on-screen graphics and tickers.

CNN has increasingly used its archives to attract viewers across platforms. Past series such as Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown” and various documentaries have been revived on CNN and Warner Bros. Discovery streaming services.

CNN’s “All Access” streaming service carries most of the network’s live linear programming from 5 a.m. to midnight while aiming to draw broadband viewers focused on trending news rather than scheduled shows. The Larry King series is expected to appeal to longtime fans, history enthusiasts, and younger audiences discovering the interviews for the first time.

R.I.P.: Alan Osmond, Eldest Performing Member of The Osmonds

Alan Ralph Osmond, the founding leader and eldest performing member of the iconic sibling group The Osmonds, died on April 20, 2026, at the age of 76. His wife, Suzanne, and their eight sons were by his bedside. The family’s statement did not disclose a cause of death.

Born on June 22, 1949, in Ogden, Utah, Alan began performing professionally at age 12 alongside his brothers Wayne, Merrill, and Jay as a barbershop quartet. 

The group gained early national exposure on The Andy Williams Show, which launched them into stardom. They later expanded to include younger brothers Donny and Jimmy, with sister Marie joining for duets and solo work that extended the family’s legacy for decades.

Alan served as the group’s driving force — not only as a lead vocalist and performer but also as a key songwriter, arranger, and behind-the-scenes leader who managed performances and finances. He co-wrote several of The Osmonds’ biggest hits, including the 1971 No. 1 smash “One Bad Apple” and the hard-rocking fan favorite “Crazy Horses” (1972), which earned critical acclaim for its heavier sound and remains a standout in their catalog.

The Osmonds became one of the most successful family acts of the 1970s, blending pop, rock, country, and R&B with polished harmonies and high-energy stage shows. Alan’s vision helped transform the brothers from child performers into a global sensation.

In 1987, Alan was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition he lived with publicly and courageously for nearly 39 years. He became an advocate for those affected by the disease and, alongside his son David (also diagnosed with MS), embodied resilience and positivity. Despite health challenges that eventually limited his performing, Alan remained active in family music projects and released his autobiography, One Way Ticket, in September 2024.

He is survived by his wife Suzanne, their eight sons, 30 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. The Osmond family has requested privacy during this time while celebrating Alan’s life, faith, and enduring contributions to music and family entertainment.

Radio History: April 21

➦In 1940... The radio quiz program, “Take It or Leave It” aired on CBS. Contestants were offered a top prize of $64 by Bob Hawk. Losers left as there were no lovely parting gifts or consolation prizes.

"Take It or Leave It" was a very popular radio quiz show in America during its run. The title was derived from the fact that each time a contestant answers a question correctly, he or she will be asked to either "Take" his/her winnings and walk away, or "Leave" it and proceed with the next question.

The show ran for 10 years on CBS (1940-1947) and NBC (1947-1950), and was hosted by Bob Hawk (1940-1941), Phil Baker (1941-1947), Garry Moore (1947-1949), Eddie Cantor (1949-1950), and Jack Paar (1950). It became the precursor of another American game show called "The $64,000 Question" on NBC Radio.

➦In 1946..NBC Radio Network aired an episode of The National Hour, hosted by Robert St. John/ This Sunday afternoon program tackled post-World War II issues facing America, reflecting radio’s role in public discourse during a transformative period. The episode ran for 30 minutes and was part of a series addressing national challenges

➦In 1960…Dick Clark testified before a congressional committee investigating payola.

Dick Clark

In 1950, there were approximately 250 disc jockeys in the U.S. By 1957, the number had grown to over 5,000. The increase was partially due to the sheer amount of new records being produced, both by major and indie labels. As the name suggests, a disc jockey was responsible for sorting through all these releases (naturally, the sorting was influenced by payola). These on-air personalities had so much clout with younger listeners, Time magazine called them the “poo-bahs of musical fashion and pillars of U.S. low- and middle-brow culture.”

Aware of their rising status, jocks established flat rate deals with labels and record distributors. A typical deal for a mid-level DJ was $50 a week, per record, to ensure a minimum amount of spins. More influential jocks commanded percentages of grosses for local concerts, lavish trips, free records by the boxful (some even opened their own record stores), plus all the time-honored swag. As Cleveland DJ Joe Finan later described the decade, “It was a blur of booze, broads and bribes.”

Clark admitted that over a period of 28 months he'd had a financial interest in 27 percent of the records he played on his "American Bandstand" TV show. Clark was ordered to sell off some of his conflicting interests, but had his name cleared -- unlike disc jockey Alan Freed, who refused to admit that payola was an illegal or immoral practice.

Alan Freed and Dick Clark both played important parts in the rise of rock ’n’ roll (Freed embodied the incendiary spirit of the music more than Clark, refusing to play white cover versions of black songs, such as Pat Boone’s “Tutti Frutti”). And though they both denied ever accepting payola, it’s almost impossible to imagine two young, popular jocks not succumbing to a little temptation. Guilty or not, it was Freed who ended up taking the fall for DJs everywhere.

Why did the committee single him out? Freed was abrasive. He consorted with black R&B musicians. He jive talked, smoked constantly and looked like an insomniac. Clark was squeaky clean, Brylcreemed, handsome and polite. At least on the surface. Once the grilling started, Freed’s friends and allies in broadcasting quickly deserted him. He refused—“on principle”—to sign an affidavit saying that he’d never accepted payola. WABC fired him, and he was charged with 26 counts of commercial bribery. Freed escaped with fines and a suspended jail sentence. He died five years later, broke and virtually forgotten.

Previous to the trial, Dick Clark had wisely divested himself of all incriminating connections (he had part ownership in seven indie labels, six publishers, three record distributors and two talent agencies). He got a slap on the wrist by Committee chairman Oren Harris, who called him “a fine young man.” As Clark told Rolling Stone in 1989, the lesson he learned from the payola trial was: “Protect your ass at all times.” Surprisingly candid words from the eternal teenager.

After Freed went down in 1960, Congress amended the Federal Communications Act to outlaw “under-the-table payments and require broadcasters to disclose if airplay for a song has been purchased.” Payola became a misdemeanor, with a penalty of up to $10,000 in fines and one year in prison.

➦In 1982...The TV sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati” aired for the final time after four seasons and 90 episodes.

Streaming Giants Hike Prices, Leaving Subscribers Frustrated

Major streaming services like Netflix are significantly raising their subscription rates, and many viewers have reached their breaking point. Former cable users are taking to platforms like Reddit to express their frustration over monthly fees that are beginning to rival traditional cable bills.

"I’m done with the constant price hikes. After years of loyalty, I’m out," one recently canceled Netflix user shared, echoing the sentiments of many who refuse to pay up to $30 a month for premium streaming tiers.

Over the past year, nearly every major platform has increased its prices. According to Kourtnee Jackson, a senior editor at CNET, companies attribute these hikes to the rising costs of technology upgrades and expensive content, including heavy investments in gaming and live sports.

Recent price increases across the industry include:

• Netflix: The Premium tier rose from $24.99 to $26.99 a month. Standard plans increased to $19.99, and the ad-supported tier went up to $8.99.
• HBO Max: The Premium plan increased from $20.99 to $22.99. Standard plans climbed to $18.49, and the Basic with Ads tier rose to $10.99.
• Disney+: Premium ad-free streaming jumped from $15.99 to $18.99, while the ad-supported option increased to $11.99.
• 
  Peacock: Premium Plus saw a steep hike from $13.99 to $16.99, and the entry-level ad-supported plan surged roughly 38% to $10.99.
• Apple TV: The flat monthly fee saw a 30% increase, jumping from $9.99 to $12.99 with no ad-supported alternative.
• Hulu: The ad-supported plan increased to $11.99, though the ad-free tier remained at $18.99.
• Amazon Prime Video: While the base $14.99 Prime membership remained untouched, the cost to remove ads increased from $2.99 to $4.99 a month.

Commentary: What Radio Can Do That Streaming Can’t

Radio Offers Connection

By Dave Van Dyke,  President

Bridge Ratings Media Research 

In a world overflowing with perfectly curated playlists, algorithmic precision, and on-demand everything, it’s easy to assume streaming has won. But that assumption misses something important.

For all its personalization and control, streaming can’t do one thing radio still does better than anyone:

Show up in the moment.

That may sound simple. It’s not.

When something happens right now—a breaking news story, a sudden storm, a traffic nightmare, a community celebration—radio doesn’t need to buffer, upload, edit, or optimize.

It just… talks.

Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music are extraordinary at delivering what you already like.

Radio delivers what you need to know right now.

And that difference is everything.

Radio Is Immediate. Streaming Is Prepared.

Streaming is built on planning. Playlists are programmed. Podcasts are produced. Content is uploaded.

Radio is built on reaction.

A great air talent doesn’t need a production team or a content calendar to respond to what’s happening. They hear it, feel it, and deliver it—live, unfiltered, and in real time.

That’s not just speed.

That’s connection.

Radio Can Turn On a Dime

Radio needs no special video production team and if they did responding in the moment would not be immediate-we’d have to wait for production. 

Immediate ticket giveaway for a JT’s announced Superstar concert. 

Radio can do it.

Want to rally listeners for a last-minute blood drive or community event?

Radio can do it.

Weather suddenly perfect for a weekend promotion at a local park?

Radio can do it.

No cameras. No edits. No approvals. No waiting.

Just a microphone, a message, and a moment.

Survey: What 2800 Radio Listeners Said About Social Media Habits

• YouTube Dominates Radio Listeners’ Social Media Use in 2026

✅OVERVIEW: YouTube dominates radio listener social media habits in 2026, with 83% of U.S. radio listeners 18+ using it weekly. This beats Instagram (77%), Facebook (73%), and TikTok (72%). Spanish-language radio listeners show distinct platform preferences, with 59% using WhatsApp weekly versus 39% of English-language listeners. Radio stations investing heavily in TikTok while ignoring YouTube are chasing the wrong platform. These findings come from surveying 2,798 radio listeners across the U.S. in March-April 2026.

YouTube is the clear leader in weekly social media usage among U.S. radio listeners, with 83% using the platform weekly. It outpaces Instagram (77%), Facebook (73%), and TikTok (72%), according to a new survey of 2,798 radio listeners ages 18+ conducted by Crowd React Media in March–April 2026.

Spanish-language radio listeners show notably different habits, with 59% using WhatsApp weekly compared to just 39% of English-language listeners.

According to Katie Miller, VP of Strategy at Crowd React Media, the findings suggest many radio stations may be misallocating resources by heavily prioritizing TikTok while underinvesting in YouTube, the platform where their audience is most active.