NFL Negotiating $3B Deal with PSKY For Sunday Night Football

The National Football League is in active discussions with Paramount Skydance (PSKY), the parent company of CBS, to extend CBS's broadcasting rights for its package of Sunday afternoon NFL games through the 2033-2034 season. 

The proposed deal would eliminate the existing opt-out clause after the 2029 season and secure CBS's long-term commitment in exchange for a significant price increase.

Sources cited by CNBC indicate the NFL is pushing for roughly a $1 billion annual hike over the current contract, which would elevate CBS's yearly payments to around $3.1 billion — a roughly 50% increase from the existing average of about $2.1 billion per year for the AFC-focused Sunday package (including select playoffs and participation in the Super Bowl rotation).

This early renegotiation stems from recent corporate changes at Paramount, including its merger activities and acquisitions (such as Warner Bros. Discovery assets and UFC rights), which triggered a "change of control" provision in the current 11-year, $110 billion+ overall NFL media rights agreements (covering CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and Amazon). 

Those deals, signed in 2021-2022, run through 2033 but include an opt-out window after 2029 that the league appears eager to waive for higher fees now.

The NFL is reportedly prioritizing a deal with CBS/Paramount first, potentially setting a precedent for similar renegotiations with other partners like Fox. Industry observers note the league's strong leverage, especially after CBS posted record viewership in recent seasons (averaging over 21 million viewers per game in 2025). The push reflects the skyrocketing value of live sports in a fragmented media landscape, where the NFL remains the dominant draw for advertisers and viewers.

If finalized, the new terms could take effect as early as the upcoming season, locking in CBS as a key NFL broadcaster for nearly another decade while boosting the league's already massive media revenue stream. Negotiations are described as ongoing, with no final agreement announced yet.

NFL Analyst Tony Dungy Exits NBC FNIA

Tony Dungy

NBC Sports has parted ways with longtime NFL analyst Tony Dungy, ending his 17-year tenure on the network's "Football Night in America" pregame show ahead of Sunday Night Football.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame coach and former Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Indianapolis Colts confirmed the departure this weekv via a post on X (formerly Twitter). 

"I have been informed by NBC that I won’t be back with FNIA this fall and it has given me time to reflect and also to look ahead," Dungy wrote. "It’s disappointing news but I want to thank my NBC family for making the last 17 years so special. I’ll have lasting memories of my time there, especially with Rodney Harrison who has become a tremendous friend."

Dungy, 70, joined NBC in 2009 as a studio analyst, becoming a staple on the Sunday night pregame program alongside personalities like Dan Patrick and Rodney Harrison. His exit follows reports from late February 2026 indicating NBC's plans to revamp the show, including potentially taking it more on the road, slimming down the cast, and shifting toward fresher voices from recent players, sideline reporters, rules experts, and fantasy analysts rather than veteran coaches.

The decision appears tied to broader changes at NBC Sports for the 2026 NFL season, as the network adjusts its primetime coverage amid evolving broadcast trends. While some outlets described the move as a firing or non-renewal of his contract, Dungy framed it gracefully, expressing faith in future opportunities—whether in football, broadcasting, church work, or community outreach—and citing Romans 8:28: "God works all things for His good for those who love the Lord."

Paramount Pressure Intensifies

A mounting coalition of critics is intensifying pressure on the proposed $111 billion merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), with antitrust, job loss, and national security concerns fueling opposition just weeks after the deal was signed in late February 2026.

A group of 14 lawmakers, led by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), this week sent a joint letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Treasury Department urging rigorous scrutiny of the transaction. The senators highlighted substantial antitrust risks from combining major studios, streaming platforms (Paramount+ and Max), and news outlets (CBS News and CNN), potentially reducing competition in theatrical distribution, premium streaming, and content licensing.

They also raised national security alarms over foreign investments—reportedly billions from Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds backing Paramount's bid—questioning why the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has not initiated a full review despite prior calls.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters escalated the fight by submitting a detailed report to the DOJ's Antitrust Division, warning that the merger threatens nearly 15,000 union jobs in the motion picture industry alone. Without enforceable worker protections, increased domestic production commitments, or safeguards against offshoring and layoffs, the union urged the government to block the deal outright. Teamsters leaders emphasized that past media consolidations have led to job losses, reduced production in American communities, and workers bearing the costs.

Separately, California Attorney General Rob Bonta accused the federal government under President Trump of having "abdicated" its responsibilities to hold big corporations accountable on antitrust enforcement. Bonta announced his office has an open investigation into the merger and intends to conduct a vigorous review, positioning California as a key state-level check amid perceived federal inaction.

The deal, which Paramount Skydance clinched after outbidding Netflix in a heated contest, remains pending and is expected to close in Q3 2026 subject to regulatory clearances, shareholder approval, and international reviews (including in the EU and UK). Paramount CEO David Ellison has expressed confidence in approval and pledged no pullback on production.

Survey Reveals Adults 25-64 Listening Weekly To Radio

The latest 2026 FMR/Eastlan Ratings National Radio Listening Survey reveals that 84% of U.S. adults aged 25-64 listen to AM/FM radio on a weekly basis.

This figure underscores radio's enduring dominance in the audio landscape, with weekly reach holding remarkably steady over the past five years—hovering around 84-86% (86% in 2024, 85% in 2025, and 84% in 2026). The consistency spans both large markets (top 30) and smaller ones (31+), where traditional broadcast radio remains the primary listening method, accounting for about two-thirds of primary radio time.

Podcast listening, meanwhile, has stabilized at 40% weekly among the same demographic in 2026. This follows a notable surge during the 2025 election year, when it climbed from around 24% in 2024 to 39% in 2025. 

The post-election leveling off (a slight uptick to 40%) did not come at the expense of traditional radio, streaming audio (which reaches 63% weekly), or satellite services. Instead, the growth in podcasts appears to reflect additional overall audio consumption—listeners expanding their total time with spoken-word and entertainment options rather than shifting away from established platforms.

Other audio habits in the survey include personal music listening at 60% weekly, reinforcing that Americans are engaging with a broader mix of audio sources without abandoning radio's core role. Conducted with a nationally representative sample of 1,000 demographically balanced adults aged 25-64, the study highlights radio's resilience amid evolving digital alternatives, positioning it as a stable leader in reach for advertisers and audiences alike.

Radio Holds-On To In-Car Dashboard

AM/FM radio continues to dominate in-car audio listening, capturing 83% of all ad-supported audio time spent in vehicles according to Edison Research's Q4 2025 "Share of Ear" survey. 

Pierre Bouvard, chief insights officer for the Cumulus Media/Westwood One Audio Active Group, describes this hold on the dashboard as "firm," with the medium remaining the top choice for drivers—including 77% among the 18–34 age group.

Over the past decade, however, listening has increasingly migrated to cars even as overall radio reach has declined. According to the Q4 2025 “Share of Ear” survey from Edison Research, the shift to in-car listening is most evident among female listeners.

In-car tuning now accounts for 53% of all over-the-air AM/FM radio time (up from 42% in 2015), while daily reach among adults 18+ has dropped from 69% in 2017 to 54% in 2025. Podcasts, by contrast, saw their daily reach rise from 8% to 23% over the same period.

The in-car shift is especially strong among younger listeners and women:

• For ages 18–34, 63% of over-the-air radio listening occurs in the car.
• For ages 25–54, 57% happens while driving.
• Among women aged 18–34 who listen to radio, 72% of their tuning time is in-vehicle—higher than for men across major demographics.

This concentration in vehicles aligns with broader audio trends, including reduced workplace listening (down to 14% of ad-supported audio for ages 25–54 from 19% in 2016–2019) and increased home listening (up to 54% from 44%), driven by remote work, podcasts, and streaming.

Despite a gradual multi-year dip in radio's in-car ad-supported share—from 90% in 2018 and 86% in 2024 to the current 83%—the medium retains strong dominance across car brands. 

Drivers of domestic models (e.g., Chevrolet, Ford, Jeep) saw in-car radio's proportion of total tuning rise from 43% in 2016 to 53% in 2025, while import drivers experienced a similar increase from 50% to 55%.

Edison's quarterly Share of Ear study, now in its 11th year, surveys about 4,000 U.S. listeners annually to monitor these evolving audio consumption patterns.

Hegseth Says He's Eager for New CNN Owners

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday sharply criticized CNN's coverage of the ongoing U.S.-led war with Iran and declared he is eager for Trump ally David Ellison to take control of the network through Paramount Skydance's pending acquisition of its parent company.

"The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better," Hegseth said during a Pentagon briefing on March 13, 2026. He dismissed a recent CNN report claiming the Pentagon and White House had significantly underestimated Iran's readiness to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz as "fake news," "patently ridiculous," and "a fundamentally unserious report."

Hegseth on CNN:

"The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better." pic.twitter.com/NdD4WLJFaP

— The American Conservative (@amconmag) March 13, 2026

Hegseth, a former Fox News host and combat veteran, argued that Iran's threats to the vital oil chokepoint were longstanding and predictable. The strait has been effectively closed by Iranian threats and actions against shipping, causing oil prices to surge above $100 per barrel, stock market volatility, and fears of rising U.S. gasoline costs. 

Reuters/Ipsos polls show limited public support for the conflict, now in its 14th day since U.S.-Israel strikes began on February 28, 2026.

A CNN spokesperson responded: "We stand by our reporting." Paramount representatives declined to comment. Hegseth's remarks came amid broader tensions with legacy media. Under his leadership, the Pentagon has revoked credentials for about 30 major outlets—including Fox News, The Washington Post, and Reuters—while favoring non-traditional sources. 

Recent briefings on Iran operations have invited some mainstream media back but prioritized questions from friendlier reporters.

He also faulted ABC News for reporting on an FBI bulletin warning of possible Iranian retaliatory drone attacks in California. ABC did not immediately respond to comment requests. Hegseth emphasized that the administration routinely deals with what he called "bad" or "ill-informed" reporting but engages to correct inaccuracies without changing operations.

Philly Radio: Former Hosts Express Disappointment With 94 WIP

Howard Eskin

Former longtime hosts of Philadelphia's SportsRadio 94 WIP, Howard Eskin and Angelo Cataldi, have publicly expressed disappointment with the current state of the station they helped define for decades.

In a recent appearance on Eskin's independent show, the two veterans discussed their former employer and agreed that 94 WIP "is not the way it once was." They described the station as having declined from its peak as a dominant force in Philadelphia sports talk radio, where passionate debates, local insight, and high-energy personalities drove massive listenership.

Angelo Cataldi, who retired after leading the morning show for over 30 years and Howard Eskin, known for his fiery afternoon/evening segments and sideline reporting (who departed WIP amid controversy in late 2024/early 2025), both lamented changes in programming, tone, and overall quality.

 

🦅🏈#Eagles fans aren’t happy this week with players signing elsewhere. Who better to complain about these issues (problems) than #AngeloCataldi @_AngeloCataldi on #TheHowardEskinShow. And Howard Eskin and Angelo Cataldi AGAIN don’t agree on many issues. pic.twitter.com/YwurXEDHl8

— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) March 12, 2026

Comments from listeners and observers in related discussions echo this sentiment, with some calling the current lineup less engaging or "washed up" compared to the era dominated by Cataldi's morning team and Eskin's unfiltered style.

This isn't the first time the pair has critiqued aspects of WIP post-departure. Cataldi has previously spoken out on issues like staff changes (e.g., producer departures tied to cost-cutting after Audacy's bankruptcy) and station handling of controversies involving Eskin. Their latest joint comments, however, focus more broadly on a perceived drop in the station's former magic—likely influenced by industry shifts, ownership decisions under Audacy, format tweaks, and the exit of iconic voices.

Eskin now hosts his own show independently (available on platforms like YouTube), where he continues covering Philadelphia sports, often inviting guests like Cataldi for candid, argumentative conversations that harken back to their WIP days.

The station remains a key outlet for Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, and Flyers coverage, but these remarks from its most recognizable former hosts highlight ongoing debates among fans about its relevance in today's media landscape. No official response from WIP or Audacy has been reported on these specific comments.

NYC Radio: Sports Talker 'WFAN Will Never Be What It Was'

Joe Benigno

Joe Benigno, the longtime WFAN personality known for his passionate New York sports takes (especially on the Jets), appeared this week on The Jake Asman Show (a YouTube-based program focused on Jets content). 

During the interview he made a pointed statement about the current state of WFAN, the iconic New York sports radio station where he spent decades hosting, including overnight shifts.

The NY Post reports Benigno, who still contributes part-time with a weekly Saturday morning show, didn't hold back: “The Fan will never be what it once was.” He elaborated that the golden eras—featuring Don Imus, the legendary "Mike and the Mad Dog" duo (Mike Francesa and Chris Russo), Steve Somers, his own overnight run, Eddie Coleman, Dave Sims, and others—are gone for good and won't return. 

He expressed no nostalgia for the daily grind, saying he doesn't miss the commute or full-time role, and is content with his limited involvement plus his "Oh the Pain" podcast.

Nostalgia often centers on the larger-than-life personalities and chemistry of past lineups that defined the medium in the 1980s–2000s. Recent changes at the station (like lineup revamps in late 2025/early 2026, including Craig Carton's return to afternoons) have sparked debates about direction, ratings, and quality. Some online discussions and videos highlight perceived struggles in 2026 ratings or programming, though WFAN remains a major player in the market.

Benigno's remarks got quick pickup on X (formerly Twitter) from accounts like the Post's sports desk. Reactions ranged from agreement ("RIP to the golden era") to linking it to the station's evolution amid industry shifts like podcasting competition and changing listener habits. It's a candid take from an insider who's lived through WFAN's highs and now sees its prime as unrepeatable—though he still sticks around on weekends. If you're a longtime listener, it might resonate; if not, it underscores how much the station's identity has shifted over the years.

R.I.P.: Geoff Rich, Longtime President of 'Take On The Day'

Geoff Rich

Geoff Rich, the longtime president of Take On The Day, LLC and a pivotal creative force behind The Dr. Laura Program, died suddenly on Wednesday night in Los Angeles. He was a cherished friend, leader, and collaborator to many in radio, theater, and the arts.

Dr. Laura Schlessinger, who worked closely with Rich for three decades, expressed profound grief: “I have lost my best friend, whom I spoke to every day for the last 30 years.”

The announcement came from the Koni and Geoff Rich family, along with the entire Take On The Day, LLC and The Dr. Laura Program team, who described him as their "friend, leader and creative force." Rich's passing leaves a significant void in the organizations he helped build and lead.

A serial entrepreneur, Rich co-created Radio Today and served as President of Take On The Day, LLC, where he guided The Dr. Laura Program's production, syndication—including its presence on SiriusXM—and related projects like Dr. Laura's Call of the Day podcast.

His career spanned diverse fields: He previously served as Executive Director of The New Group, an off-Broadway company that produced the Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q. Most recently, Rich was a member of the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, reflecting his ongoing commitment to the arts and culture in Los Angeles.

Geoff Rich is survived by his wife, Koni; his children, Jaremy and Gabrielle; and his grandchildren. His family, colleagues, and friends remember him for his entrepreneurial spirit, daily dedication, and lasting impact across radio broadcasting, theater production, and philanthropic endeavors.

Radio History: March 14

➦In 1912...Lester Raymond Brown born (Died at age 88 – January 4, 2001).  He was a jazz musician who led the big band Les Brown and His Band of Renown for nearly seven decades from 1938 to 2000.  Brown is probably best known for his 50 year association with Bob Hope, on radio, TV & personal appearances.  Also was musical director for Dean Martin for 10 years on TV.

➦In 1922...KSD-AM (now KTRS-AM) signed-on in St. Louis.

KSD Transmitter 1922

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch launched KSD in 1922, the first St. Louis station to obtain a broadcast license from the Department of Commerce, though WIL claims earlier operation as an amateur station.

Transmitter Building 1922

According to  route56.com, first as KSD, and now as KTRS, the station has been on 550 kHz since 1923, which probably gives it the longest record of occupancy on any one frequency of any United States radio station. With its 5000-watt signal and low frequency, KTRS actually has better daytime and nighttime coverage than 50,000-watt clear-channel station KMOX in much of Missouri.

Despite that great coverage, the Post-Dispatch let KSD slip in the 1970s and, on March 19, 1984, it even lost its historic call letters under Gannett ownership. After a short-lived all-news format, on which Gannett pulled the plug just as KSD was beginning to build an audience, KSD went to country and adopted the call letters KUSA. The call letters were restored by EZ Communications when it bought KSD-AM/FM in 1993.

The call letters were switched back to KSD on October 4, 1993.

Newspaper Ad 1936

Unfortunately, the station lost the call letters again when it was sold to the Dorsey Media Group of St. Louis. EZ's successor, American Radio Systems, retained the KSD call letters for use on KSD-FM.

KTRS is  owned by CH Radio Holdings. Actor John Goodman is a part owner of the station.

➦In 1937...The radio "Battle of the Century" started when comedians Fred Allen & Jack Benny locked horns in the ballroom of the Hotel Pierre, exchanging torrid insults that were heard by the second largest audience in the history of radio. The “feud”, incidentally, lasted for the next 12 years.

➦In 1950...Rigdon Osmond Dees III (born March 14, 1950), best known as Rick Dees, is a radio personality, comedian, actor, and voice artist, best known for his internationally syndicated radio show The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown and for the 1976 novelty song "Disco Duck".

The NY Times Doubles Size of Newsroom, While Others Downsize

The New York Times has reached a milestone in its newsroom growth amid widespread industry contraction.

Publisher A.G. Sulzberger announced Thursday in his annual "State of the Times" address that the Times newsroom now employs 2,300 journalists — double the size from a decade ago. (When including Opinion, The Athletic, sports coverage, and other journalistic operations, the total exceeds 3,000.)

This expansion positions the Times as employing more than 4% of all working journalists in America, according to circulating estimates in media circles — a remarkable share for one outlet in an era when many news organizations are shrinking or folding.

Separately, the Times has poached a high-profile talent: Michael Kruse, Politico Magazine's longest-tenured senior staff writer, is departing for the Times' politics team. Kruse, known for in-depth profiles and political reporting (including extensive coverage of Donald Trump), had been at Politico since around 2015 after earlier stints at the Tampa Bay Times.

The moves highlight a stark industry divide. 

While the Times benefits from diversified revenue — including digital subscriptions (over 11 million), games, cooking, and audio — many peers face layoffs and cutbacks. Recent months alone have seen reductions at outlets like the Washington Post, Politico, Wall Street Journal, and others, continuing a multi-year trend of consolidation.

Podcast and Online Audio Consumption Reach Record Highs

U.S. podcast and online audio consumption have reached all-time highs, according to The Infinite Dial® 2026, released by Edison Research at SSRS with support from SiriusXM Media.

Presented by Megan Lazovick, Vice President of Edison Research at SSRS, with James Cridland, Editor of Podnews, the study provides critical insights into digital media behaviors, and, debuting this year, generative AI adoption among American consumers.

Key Findings from The Infinite Dial® 2026:

• Online Audio Reaches an All-Time High 81% of Americans age 12+ (233 million) listened to online audio in the last month, and 76% (219 million) listened in the last week Americans age 55+ are driving the most recent increases. 
• Monthly online audio listening among this group jumped from 52% in 2024 to 70% in 2026, a gain of nearly 20 percentage points in just two years
• Podcast Consumption Sets New Records 80% of Americans age 12+ (230 million) have ever listened to or watched a podcast, an all-time high 58% of Americans age 12+ (167 million) have consumed a podcast in the last month, also an all-time high; 
• 68% of 35-54-year-olds have consumed a podcast in the last month, making podcasting a powerful vehicle for reaching one of advertising’s most valued demographics 45% of Americans age 12+ (130 million) have consumed a podcast in the last week – yet another all-time high for podcast consumption Among Americans age 12+, 57% have both listened to and watched a podcast

Bezos Claims He's Turned Down Seven Offers To Buy WaPo

Jeff Bezos has firmly rejected multiple opportunities to sell The Washington Post, telling top editors and reporters in a recent meeting that he has turned down seven offers for the struggling newspaper.

The revelation came during a tense gathering amid the outlet's ongoing turmoil, including massive layoffs, subscription losses, and internal unrest. Bezos emphasized his continued commitment to ownership despite the paper's challenges, which have intensified under his stewardship since he acquired it in 2013 for $250 million.

Trump Nominates Sarah Rogers To Lead USAGM, VOA

President Donald Trump has nominated Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers to serve as CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees U.S.-funded international broadcasters like Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The nomination, announced Thursday, follows a federal judge's ruling that invalidated staff cuts and other actions taken by prior appointee Kari Lake.

Rogers, who has led the administration's efforts against European Internet regulations viewed by Washington as censorship, would hold the role in addition to her current State Department position if confirmed by the Senate. A State Department spokesperson stated that her dual oversight would strengthen alignment between U.S. international broadcasting and public diplomacy efforts.

In the interim, Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas will perform the CEO duties, according to a Department of Justice court filing.

iHR Launches TikTok Radio

iHeartMedia and TikTok launched TikTok Radio from iHeart today, a fast-paced new audio station that brings the viral energy of TikTok's "For You" feed directly to radio, blending trending songs, creator moments, internet culture, and real-time conversations into one nonstop experience.

The station is now live on the free iHeartRadio app and broadcasting across 28 iHeartMedia radio stations in major markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, Miami, and Austin.

It kicks off with live programming from SXSW in Austin, Texas, featuring interviews, surprise guests, real-time crowd reactions, and appearances by TikTok creators such as Grace Wells, Madison Tevlin, Eric Sedeño, Bree Stephens, and others. Creators and fans are helping shape the content on the spot, with many moments expected to loop back to TikTok.

A rotating lineup of iHeart personalities hosts throughout the day, including Kayla Thomas (KIIS FM Los Angeles), Ashlee Young (Houston), Jon Comouche (MYfm Los Angeles), Becky Mits (San Diego), and Angelina Narvaez (San Francisco). Listeners can follow @tiktokradio on TikTok for updates on hosts and upcoming features.TikTok Radio mirrors the rapid, trend-driven scroll of TikTok by prioritizing whatever is blowing up online—viral hits, rising artists, rediscovered throwbacks, trending stories, and cultural discussions—over traditional radio playlists.