CBS To Shutter Radio News Division

(1927-2026)

UPDATE 10:30 AM Friday:   CBS News will shut down its CBS News Radio division and lay off about 6% of its workforce, network leaders Bari Weiss and Tom Cibrowski announced Friday.

The nearly century-old radio service, which distributes news to roughly 700 affiliate stations, will cease operations on May 22. All positions tied to CBS News Radio will be eliminated as part of the restructuring.

📻LAST BROADCAST:  May 22, 2026

Staff members were informed of the decision Friday, the same day the company began implementing its latest round of layoffs. Affected employees are expected to be notified by the end of the day.

In a memo to staff, Weiss and Cibrowski acknowledged the impact of the cuts, writing that the decision was “necessary” but “not an easy one,” and emphasizing the contributions of employees who helped cover major global events over the years.

Bari Weiss

The layoffs are smaller than some had anticipated. Earlier reports suggested the network could cut up to 15% of its approximately 1,100-person workforce. The company had already reduced staff by about 100 employees in October, and concerns about additional cuts had circulated internally ahead of Friday’s announcement.

Executives said the move reflects broader shifts across the media landscape, including audience fragmentation, the rise of streaming platforms, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence on search and content distribution.

“New audiences are burgeoning in new places,” Weiss and Cibrowski wrote, adding that the company plans to invest in emerging platforms. “That means some parts of our newsroom must get smaller to make room for the things we must build to remain competitive.”

The Staff Memo From Bari Weiss

CRS: Radio's Advantage Is the Human Touch

Country radio’s competitive advantage over streaming may have little to do with the music itself — and everything to do with the people behind it.

A new CRS perceptual study from Strategic Solutions Research found that listeners overwhelmingly prefer human-curated playlists over AI-generated ones, by a margin of 57% to 10% in a nationwide survey of 1,500 fans. The message for stations is clear: emphasizing the human element isn’t optional — it’s essential.

The importance of real personalities reinforces that point. 

Respondents ranked live, on-air hosts as the second most valuable feature of local country radio, trailing only song selection. Three out of four listeners rated personalities highly, giving them scores between 8 and 10 on a 10-point scale — a result that held across all age groups, including younger, digital-native audiences.

The study, which combined 50 video interviews with a survey designed to reflect U.S. Census demographics, also highlighted how deeply country music resonates with its audience. More than half of respondents said country is part of their identity, and a similar share reported listening more now than they were six months ago.

That connection is largely emotional. Listeners said country music makes them feel good, tells stories they relate to, and evokes memories in ways other formats don’t. Many pointed specifically to the lyrics as a key differentiator, describing the genre as one that demands attention and delivers personal meaning.

At the same time, the data underscores how competitive the broader audio landscape has become. Only 16% of respondents listen exclusively to country, meaning most are regularly exploring other formats. Listening habits also shift seasonally, with some audiences increasing their country consumption during the summer.

Streaming, meanwhile, remains deeply embedded in listener behavior. Eight in 10 radio listeners also use streaming platforms, with YouTube and Spotify leading the way. Most users pay for subscriptions and show little interest in canceling, confirming that streaming is a permanent fixture — not a passing trend.

Still, radio has opportunities to compete. Many listeners on free, ad-supported streaming tiers believe they hear as many or more commercials as they do on local radio, suggesting a potential advantage in positioning.

Radio’s strongest foothold remains in the car, where four in 10 listeners say they tune in most. Home listening is close behind but increasingly dominated by streaming, while workplace listening lags — an area the study identified as a potential growth opportunity as individuals gain more control over what they hear on the job.

The takeaway is straightforward: streaming isn’t going anywhere, but neither is radio’s edge — especially when it leans into what streaming can’t replicate as easily — the human touch.

Former FCC Republicans Rebuke License Threats

Carr Threats Make Him 'Unfit For Office'

Four former Republican officials from the Federal Communications Commission are sharply criticizing proposals by Donald Trump and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to revoke the licenses of television stations accused of broadcasting “fake news” about the administration’s handling of the Iran war, calling the idea unconstitutional and urging congressional intervention.

In a joint statement released through Protect Democracy, the former officials said Carr’s actions amount to intimidation of the press and warned that his conduct makes him “unfit for office.” They called on Congress to investigate the FCC’s actions and consider stronger measures, arguing that “the future of free speech and the free press in this country are at risk.”

The statement was signed by former FCC Chairs Mark Fowler and Alfred Sikes, former Commissioner Rachelle Chong, and former Chief of Staff Jerald Fritz. Their criticism adds a notable Republican voice to a debate that has largely drawn opposition from Democrats and media advocates.

At issue are recent comments suggesting the FCC could investigate and potentially revoke broadcast licenses over what regulators deem biased or misleading coverage. The former officials argue such actions would violate both the First Amendment and the Communications Act, which they say clearly prohibit government interference in editorial decisions.

Nexstar Closes $6.2 Billion Tegna Merger

Nexstar Media Group has closed its $6.2 billion merger with Tegna after securing federal approval, creating one of the largest broadcast television companies in the U.S. The deal, cleared by the Federal Communications Commission and the Justice Department, consolidates hundreds of local stations despite ongoing legal challenges from multiple states and industry opposition.

Perry Snook

The approval came less than a day after a coalition of eight states filed an antitrust lawsuit seeking to block the merger, arguing it would concentrate too much power in local TV markets, raise subscription prices, and reduce the quality of local news. DirecTV also filed a separate lawsuit, claiming Nexstar could use its expanded size to demand higher fees from distributors and potentially black out stations during disputes.

As part of the approval, Nexstar agreed to divest six stations in markets including Denver, Indianapolis, and New Haven within two years. The FCC also granted a waiver allowing Nexstar to exceed the federal ownership cap of 39% of U.S. TV households; the combined company will reach roughly 60%.

Nexstar CEO Perry Sook said the merger would strengthen the company’s ability to deliver local programming and journalism. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr defended the waiver, saying it aligns with the agency’s goals of promoting competition, localism, and diversity.

The combined company would own 265 full-power television stations across 44 states and the District of Columbia and in 132 of the country’s 210 television designated market areas, the FCC said. It would own two stations in each of 17 DMAs.

The decision, made by the FCC’s Media Bureau without a full commission vote, drew criticism from Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez, who called the process lacking in transparency.

State officials, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, say they will continue to challenge the merger in court and may seek an emergency order to halt integration while litigation proceeds. The lawsuits highlight increasing efforts by state attorneys general to challenge major media consolidations amid a more lenient federal stance.

Delayed Nielsen Data To Show Traditional TV Back on Top

Streaming’s lead over traditional television viewing narrowed in February, with linear TV reclaiming a larger share of U.S. viewing time, according to new data from Nielsen. Streaming accounted for 41.9% of viewing, compared with 47.4% for broadcast and cable combined, reversing gains reported just a month earlier.

The shift follows January data showing streaming at 47% and linear TV at 42.7%, and comes after Nielsen had previously announced that streaming surpassed traditional TV for the first time in May. The February reversal reflects both methodological changes and seasonal programming factors.

Nielsen recently updated its measurement approach by incorporating data from the Advertising Research Foundation, rather than relying solely on its own panels. The change, encouraged by the Media Rating Council, is intended to improve demographic accuracy but resulted in a one-time shift in reported viewing shares.

The Wall Street Journal reports streaming platforms broadly saw declines in their share of TV viewing in February. YouTube dropped to 11% from 12.5%, Netflix fell to 7.5% from 8.8%, Amazon Prime Video declined to 3.3% from 4.1%, and Roku decreased to 2.4% from 3%. Other services, including Disney+ and Paramount+, also lost share.

‘The Bachelorette’ Season Canceled After Leaked Video of Assault

ABC has pulled the planned Sunday premiere of The Bachelorette after a video surfaced appearing to show its lead, Taylor Frankie Paul, involved in a violent incident with her former partner while a child was present.

The decision came hours after TMZ leaked the footage. In a statement, a spokesperson for Disney Entertainment Television said the network would not move forward with the new season “at this time,” adding that its focus is on supporting the family. It remains unclear whether the season will air at a later date.

The move halts what had been a high-stakes effort by ABC to revive one of its flagship franchises. Taylor Frankie Paul, a social media influencer with more than 6 million TikTok followers, gained prominence on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and was expected to bring new attention to the long-running dating show.

Sunday Premiere Pulled

The controversy follows reports earlier in the week of a domestic dispute between Paul and her former partner, Dakota Mortensen, with whom she shares a child. Police in Draper City, Utah, confirmed a domestic assault investigation involving the two in late February. Filming of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was also paused amid the reports.

In 2023, Taylor Frankie Paul was arrested in Herriman, Utah, over domestic violence allegations related to Mortensen and later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault.

Before the video’s release, Paul had been actively promoting The Bachelorette, including appearances at the Oscars and on Good Morning America, where she described the situation as a “heavy time” and said she was focused on her children.

The Bachelorette is part of ABC’s long-running reality franchise that began with The Bachelor in 2002 and later expanded to spinoffs like Bachelor in Paradise. Once a dominant force in ratings, the franchise has seen declining viewership in recent years, making the now-scrapped season a key attempt at a revival.

KATZ: Why Radio Still Wins

The more automated media becomes, the more trust becomes a valuable currency. 

We are entering a new era of media, one where artificial intelligence can generate articles, images, voices, and even entire advertising campaigns in seconds. While these innovations are transforming the media ecosystem, they’re also creating a new challenge for brands and consumers alike: trust.

As AI-generated content becomes more common, many consumers are questioning what’s real and what isn’t. In fact, recent research shows that 75% of Americans say they trust the internet less today than ever before (Talker Research survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, 2025), and most say it’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and artificial information online.

In a media environment filled with algorithmic feeds, deepfakes, and synthetic voices, trusted human connection is becoming more valuable, not less. And that’s where radio stands apart. 

RADIO IS THE HUMAN MEDIUM

Unlike many digital platforms, radio has always been a human-first medium. Whether it’s a morning host, a local personality, or a familiar voice delivering the news, listeners experience radio through real people they know and trust.

This connection matters. Recent Katz Radio Group media trust studies have consistently shown that radio remains the most trusted mass medium, with over 8 in 10 adults saying they find it trustworthy, a higher rating than television, newspapers, or magazines.

The contrast becomes even clearer when compared to digital environments. We found that social media, where AI-generated content spreads easily, is trusted by only 49% of adults, making it the least trusted information source in the same survey.

TRUST BUILT THROUGH FAMILIAR VOICES

R.I.P.: Chuck Norris, 86, Hollywood Action Actor

Chuck Norris (1940-2026)

Chuck Norris, the martial arts champion turned Hollywood action star best known for films like Missing in Action and the long-running television series Walker, Texas Ranger, has died at the age of 86.

Norris died Friday morning after being hospitalized a day earlier in Hawaii, according to a statement released by his family. Further details about the cause of death were not immediately disclosed.

A defining figure of 1980s action cinema, Norris built a reputation as both an authentic fighter and a screen presence rooted in discipline and restraint. Unlike many actors who merely portrayed toughness, Norris was widely respected in martial arts circles. He held black belts in multiple disciplines, including karate, Tang Soo Do, and taekwondo, and trained alongside legendary martial artist Bruce Lee.

Their on-screen confrontation in the 1972 film The Way of the Dragon remains one of the most iconic fight scenes in martial arts film history, cementing Norris’ place in the genre’s legacy.

Throughout his career, Norris frequently portrayed stoic, independent characters who adhered to a strict moral code. His roles often emphasized justice over aggression, echoing the ethos of classic Western heroes such as John Wayne—figures who resorted to violence only as a last measure.

Beyond film and television, Norris also operated karate schools and contributed to the popularization of martial arts in the United States, influencing generations of practitioners and fans alike.

Good Morning! Let's Check The Pulse For Friday, March 20

Radio Broadcasting

Country Radio Seminar shapes industry direction:  The Country Radio Seminar 2026 emerged as the most significant event in U.S. radio, bringing together industry leaders in Nashville to address the future of broadcasting, including competition from streaming and evolving audience habits. The three-day conference featured panels on AI, audience measurement, and digital strategy, all aimed at helping radio remain competitive. Key programming decisions and music promotion strategies for country radio are often influenced by conversations at CRS. A standout moment included buzz from a reunion appearance by Florida Georgia Line, highlighting radio’s continued role in artist promotion and discovery.

Radio industry confronts streaming competition and shifting audience: Broadcasters are increasingly focused on adapting to digital disruption as streaming platforms continue to challenge traditional listening habits. Discussions at Country Radio Seminar 2026 emphasized reaching younger audiences, integrating digital platforms, and using new tools like AI to refine programming and advertising strategies.

Ongoing financial pressures weigh on local radio stations:  Local radio stations across the U.S. continue to face economic strain from declining ad revenue and audience fragmentation, contributing to consolidation and operational challenges. These pressures formed a key backdrop to conversations at Country Radio Seminar 2026, where executives discussed sustainability and new revenue models. Despite these challenges, industry leaders expressed cautious optimism that innovation and strategic adaptation can help radio remain competitive in a changing media environment.

Media Industry

Nexstar closes Tegna merger despite legal challenges: Nexstar Media Group completed its $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna after receiving approval from the Federal Communications Commission and the Justice Department, creating one of the largest local TV station operators in the country. The deal consolidates hundreds of stations and expands Nexstar’s reach to roughly 60% of U.S. TV households, following a regulatory waiver. The approval came even as a coalition of states filed an antitrust lawsuit seeking to block the merger, arguing it would reduce competition and raise prices. The merger underscores ongoing consolidation across the media landscape, as companies scale up to compete with streaming platforms and declining traditional TV audiences.

Nielsen data shows streaming loses ground to traditional TV:  New data from Nielsen showed streaming accounted for 41.9% of U.S. TV viewing in February, falling behind broadcast and cable at 47.4%, reversing trends from the previous month. The shift follows a methodology change incorporating data from the Advertising Research Foundation, which boosted estimates for traditional TV audiences. Major platforms like Netflix and YouTube saw declines in share. Despite the drop, Nielsen said long-term trends still favor streaming growth, highlighting the ongoing competition between digital platforms and legacy media.

ABC halts “The Bachelorette” premiere amid controversy:  ABC postponed the premiere of The Bachelorette after a video surfaced involving its lead, Taylor Frankie Paul, in an alleged domestic incident. The network said it would not move forward with the season “at this time,” prioritizing those involved, and leaving the show’s future uncertain. The decision halted a high-profile attempt to revive the long-running franchise. The incident highlights reputational risks in the entertainment industry and the growing influence of social media in shaping programming decisions.

U-S News

March Madness grips the nation as tournament begins: The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is underway, dominating national attention as first-round games tip off across the country, with early upsets and powerhouse teams advancing. Top seeds including Duke Blue Devils men's basketball and Michigan Wolverines men's basketball secured wins, while lower-seeded teams pulled off notable surprises, underscoring the tournament’s unpredictability. The annual event is one of the biggest moments in U.S. sports, driving massive TV audiences, office bracket pools, and widespread fan engagement nationwide.

U.S.-Iran conflict intensifies amid misinformation concerns: Tensions between the United States and Iran remain high as military conflict continues, accompanied by a surge in misinformation and propaganda online. Officials have warned about fake AI-generated images and videos circulating on social media, including false depictions of U.S. military losses. The conflict has also fueled political debate in Washington over media coverage, national security, and the role of technology platforms in spreading disinformation. The situation remains fluid, with global implications for security and diplomacy.

 
Iran executes champion wrestler, drawing global outrage:  Iran has executed Mehdi Ali Hosseini, a champion wrestler, sparking international condemnation from human rights groups and governments. Critics say the execution highlights Iran’s ongoing use of capital punishment and raises concerns about due process and political repression. The case has drawn comparisons to past executions of athletes that triggered global backlash. The incident adds to tensions surrounding Iran as the country faces increased scrutiny over both its domestic policies and its role in regional conflict.

WSJ Editorial: FCC Can't Control Speech. Period.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is threatening broadcasters over perceived biased coverage of the war in Iran, but such warnings violate the First Amendment and misdirect attention from more serious threats to U.S. information security, according to a Wall Street Journal editorial.

Brendan Carr said broadcasters could lose their licenses if they fail to operate in the “public interest,” echoing criticism from Donald Trump about “fake news” coverage. While public trust in traditional media has declined, the editorial argues the government cannot use licensing authority to control speech, regardless of political concerns.

The criticism is also misplaced, the editorial says, because most Americans no longer rely on broadcast television for news. Instead, social media platforms have become the dominant source of information—and a key channel for misinformation and foreign propaganda.

Philly Radio: WXPN's Kathy O'Connell Announces Retirement

Kathy O'Connell

After four decades of soundtracking childhoods across the region and beyond, WXPN host Kathy O’Connell has announced her retirement. Since O’Connell is irreplaceable, this also means that the Peabody Award-winning show Kids Corner will draw to a close, with its final shows airing this June.

The news was announced this morning on-air, and WXPN’s Max Bennett has published an article on the WXPN website featuring interviews with O’Connell, Kids Corner Producer Robert Drake, and General Manager Roger LaMay. Read it HERE.

In the piece, Robert Drake likens their collective impact to that of Fred Rogers. "He talked a number of times about how humbling it was to have generations of people come up to him and say how they grew up with his show," Drake said. "It's kind of like that, but a very small version. You play a role in these people's lives from a developing age through adulthood. You meant a lot to them when they were 12 years old, but then they're 45 years old and you still mean a lot to them."

LaMay sees it in person at XPN events. "We have kids who grew up listening to Kids Corner, who now have kids of their own who listen to Kids Corner," he said. "They come to XPoNential Music Festival together."

Buffalo Radio: WSKE-FM's Janet Snyder Makes Retirement Plans

Longtime radio personality and former television host Janet Snyder is preparing to sign off for the final time, announcing she will retire from WSKE-FM KISS 98.5 in May after more than 40 years in broadcasting.

Snyder, a familiar voice to listeners across Western New York, built a decades-long career spanning both radio and television, becoming a well-known figure in the Buffalo media market. Her retirement marks the end of an era for one of the region’s most recognizable on-air personalities.

According to the Buffalo Broadcasters Association, Snyder’s career included stops in major markets such as New York City before she established deep roots in Buffalo, where she connected with audiences through music, lifestyle programming, and community-focused content.

In addition to her success on radio, Snyder spent a decade on television with WGRZ Channel 2, where she hosted programs including Western New York Living, The Healthy Zone, and Arts 2 Entertainment. Her work on both platforms helped broaden her reach and solidify her presence as a trusted and engaging local media figure.

Colleagues and industry groups have credited Snyder with helping shape the Buffalo broadcasting landscape, noting her longevity, versatility, and ability to adapt across formats as media evolved.

Her departure from KISS 98.5 will close a career defined by consistency and connection with listeners, leaving a lasting impact on the Western New York media community.

Jax Radio: iHeartMedia Names New Leadership at WQIK

iHeartMedia Jacksonville has appointed Casey Carter as Program Director of WQIK 99.1, effective immediately, while also naming Heath West as the station’s new afternoon host.

Carter will oversee all programming for the country station, including talent development, brand strategy, and coordination with record labels, reporting to Senior Vice President of Programming Rick Everett. Company leadership said her experience and approach are expected to bring fresh ideas and drive growth for the station.

Casey Carter

A longtime iHeartMedia executive, Carter has been with the company since 2012 and will continue her current role as Program Director for WNOE 101.1 alongside her new responsibilities in Jacksonville. She previously programmed in the Jacksonville market and described her return to lead WQIK as a “dream come true.”

West joins the station’s afternoon lineup from iHeartMedia’s West Palm Beach–Treasure Coast operations, where he has served as Program Director of WAVE 92.7 in Fort Pierce since 1999. A Florida native, he called the WQIK brand “legendary” and said he is honored to join one of the company’s leading country stations.

The moves mark a leadership shift at WQIK as iHeartMedia looks to strengthen programming and build on the station’s long-standing presence in the Jacksonville market.

WI Radio: Midwest Com To Acquire NRG Radio Group

Midwest Communications, through its affiliate WRIG, Inc., has reached an agreement to acquire a group of Wisconsin radio stations from NRG Media, with an application for license transfer to be filed with the Federal Communications Commission. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The transaction includes multiple stations across Central and Northern Wisconsin markets, expanding Midwest Communications’ footprint in the region. The stations involved serve communities in Minocqua, Rhinelander, Wausau, Wisconsin Rapids, Whiting, Marshfield, and Antigo.

NRG Media, led by CEO Mary Quass, operates more than 30 stations across Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Quass said the company is proud of its Wisconsin broadcasters and expressed confidence the stations will continue to serve their local communities under new ownership.

Midwest Communications, a Wisconsin-based company headed by President Peter Tanz, operates approximately 80 stations throughout the Midwest. Tanz praised the quality of NRG’s Wisconsin operations, describing them as an “outstanding community service organization,” and highlighted the company’s longstanding ties to Central Wisconsin.

The deal underscores continued consolidation in the regional radio industry, as established broadcasters expand their reach through strategic acquisitions while maintaining a focus on local service.

RAB Webinar Spotlight Nielsen’s New Mobile Diary System

The Radio Advertising Bureau will host a live presentation on April 1 highlighting Nielsen Audio’s new mobile-enabled diary methodology, mSurvey, as the industry prepares for its rollout in Spring 2026.

The one-hour virtual session, scheduled for noon CT, will provide an overview of the platform and share test results that informed its development, offering broadcasters, advertisers, and agencies an early look at how the updated system will function in practice.

The launch of mSurvey represents a major shift in radio audience measurement, designed to better reflect how listeners engage with media in a mobile-first environment. The platform aims to improve ease of use, boost participation rates, and deliver more representative data—particularly among younger audiences who have historically been harder to capture through traditional diary methods.

Shannon Bream Delivers Fourth Straight NYTimes #1 Bestseller

 FOX News Books, the publishing imprint of FOX News Media, delivers another bestseller with Shannon Bream’s “Nothing is Impossible with God” placing first on the New York Times bestseller under the Advice, How-To & Misc. category during its debut week. Notably, the sales cemented it as 2026’s top faith title, surpassing all other books in the genre. The milestone further solidifies FOX News Books as an industry powerhouse, with 17 titles reaching the top of the New York Times bestseller list and more than 3.6 million copies sold since its 2020 inception.

A trusted voice in faith-based storytelling, Bream’s fourth imprint title builds on her proven ability to make scripture both accessible and deeply personal for today’s readers. “Nothing is Impossible with God” explores the biblical stories of unlikely heroes who faced profound adversity, uncertainty and fear, drawing powerful parallels to the spiritual and personal challenges people encounter today.

Four-for-four, Bream has been a mainstay on the national bestseller lists since her 2021 FOX News Books debut, “The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today,” which sold close to 1 million copies and spent 15 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, including five weeks at number one. In 2022 and 2023, respectively, Bream’s “The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak” and “The Love Stories of the Bible Speak” fortified her among the top faith-based authors in the country with their own number one debuts. Combined, the series has sold nearly 1.5 million copies nationwide.

Radio History: March 20

➦In 1902... Nathan Stubblefield demonstrated ship-to-shore broadcast to multiple receivers in Washington, D.C., where voice and music transmissions were made over a third of a mile (535 meters) from the steamer Bartholdi, anchored in the Potomac River, to shore.

Stubblefield w/wireless phone

He later demonstrated wireless telephony in Philadelphia on May 30, 1902 to a distance of a half mile.

He joined wireless inventor Archie Frederick Collins and stock promoters in the Collins Wireless Telephone Company. In December, 1909 the company became came a part of the Continental Wireless Tel. & Tel. Company, with A. Frederick Collins as Technical Director. Stubblefield resigned as a director in December 1911, because of what he described in a letter as their sometimes-fraudulent stock promotion practices. The other principals of the company were later convicted of fraud.

However, he continued to experiment with wireless telephony, using large circular conduction coils to transmit voice frequencies to receiving stations. In 1903, he could transmit 375 feet without earth connections, using induction. In 1904, he could transmit 423 yards.

The total wire required for the transmitting and receiving coils was of a greater length than what would be required to simply interconnect the transmitter and receiver, but the invention would allow mobility.

On May 12, 1908, he received U.S. patent 887,357 for his Wireless Telephone, using the voice frequency induction system. He said in the patent that it would be useful for "securing telephonic communications between moving vehicles and way stations". The diagram shows wireless telephony from trains, boats, and wagons. In foreign patents he showed wireless telephony with cars. However, there is no indication that he was using voice-modulated continuous high frequency waves, as used for radio today.

➦In 1906...Oswald George Nelson was born (Died of cancer at age 69 – June 3, 1975).  He was a band leader, actor, director, and producer. He originated and starred in The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, a radio and television series with his wife Harriet and two sons David and Ricky Nelson.

Earlier, he & wife Harriet Nelson were regulars on the Red Skelton radio show, before he developed The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet for ABC radio from 1944 to ’54. It developed quite a following & moved to TV from 1952 to ’66.  As son Rick Nelson became a recording star in real life, the program focused more on him, ending each show with a performance.

➦In 1908...Frank Nicholas Stanton born in Muskegon, Mich. (Died at age 98 – December 24, 2006).  He was a broadcasting executive who served as the president of CBS between 1946 and 1971 and then as vice chairman until 1973. He also served as the chairman of the Rand Corporation from 1961 until 1967.

Frank Stanton

Stanton helped lead the fight for color television. By 1950 CBS had been working on its field-sequential system of color TV for a decade. On October 11, 1950 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved CBS's system as the first official color standard for commercial broadcasting in the U.S., although subsequent court challenges delayed actual commercial broadcasting until June 25, 1951.

On that day, Stanton appeared on an hour-long special, Premiere, with Robert Alda, Faye Emerson, Ed Sullivan, Arthur Godfrey, William S. Paley and others to introduce the CBS color system.

CBS color broadcasting only lasted for four months. CBS suspended it when the manufacture of color television receivers was halted by the US government as part of the Korean War effort.  When the ban on color sets was rescinded in 1953, CBS announced that it had no plans to resume broadcasting using its field-sequential color system.  A major problem with the CBS system was that the video was not "compatible" with existing black-and-white TV sets. A competing dot-sequential color system being developed by RCA was compatible, and in late 1953, the FCC switched its approval to an RCA-based system of broadcasting color TV.

➦In 1920...station XWA (later CFCF) in Montreal, Canada, aired what is considered the first scheduled radio broadcast in North America. The program featured a concert by vocalist Dorothy Lutton. This event marked an early milestone in organized radio broadcasting, with the station pre-announcing the event to attract listeners. Some historians argue that CFCF has a strong claim to being the world’s oldest "real" radio station due to this verified, scheduled transmission.

➦In 1922...WIP-AM, Philadelphia, signed-on.

Founded by Gimbels department store, the station first went on the air on as Philadelphia's first commercial radio station with the call sign WIP, which people mistakenly think stands for "Wireless In Philadelphia," "We're In Philadelphia" or "Watch Its Progress." In fact, WIP was a call sign randomly issued by the federal government.