Saturday, May 16, 2026

FCC Chair Signals Aggressive Push on Media Regulation


FCC Chair Brendan Carr is openly adopting an aggressive, confrontational approach to regulating the media industry, describing tactics aimed at challenging broadcast licenses — including those of major companies like Disney — as a deliberate way to “shock” the sector and assert authority.

In a recent interview, Carr embraced what he characterized as a Trumpian style of regulation, saying the FCC under his leadership intends to use its full powers without hesitation. “If you didn’t take us seriously, now you should,” Carr stated. “I got my time, I got my shot, I took my shot.”

The comments mark a sharp shift toward using federal regulatory tools as instruments of political pressure and public signaling, targeting legacy media outlets that Carr and allies view as misaligned with current administration priorities.

Carr’s remarks highlight a strategy of initiating license challenges and other enforcement actions not only for traditional regulatory violations but also to send a broader message across the industry. By publicly discussing potential actions against high-profile companies, the FCC chair aims to create uncertainty and encourage self-censorship or behavioral changes among broadcasters and networks.

This approach aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration to reshape media oversight, moving away from what critics on the right have long called a hands-off or ideologically skewed regulatory environment. Carr has positioned himself as willing to wield the FCC’s authority more assertively than recent predecessors.

FOX News Digital Continues to Dominate All News Brands


During April, FOX News Digital led all broadcast networks and news competitors with total digital multiplatform unique visitors, multiplatform views and multiplatform minutes, according to Comscore.** 

FOX News Digital nabbed 191 million total digital multiplatform unique visitors (up 46% year-over-year), 1.7 billion multiplatform views and 3.6 billion multiplatform minutes throughout April.* Meanwhile, CNN and ABC News saw double-digit year-over-year declines across the board. 

**Additional highlights include:
  • On YouTube, FOX News delivered 471.9 million video views, nearly quadrupling ABC News and NBC News and dominating MS NOW by more than 167 million views, according to Emplifi. 
  • FOX News also more than septupled CBS News’ 62.6 million views for the month. Year-over-year, FOX News saw a 45% advantage with YouTube video views and led competitors including MS NOW (304.4 million views), CNN (203.3 million views), ABC News (119.3 million views), NBC News (115.2 million views) and CBS News (62.6 million views).
  • The FOX News Mobile app drew 6.3 million unique viewers during the month of April leading the CNN mobile app which saw 3.7 million unique viewers.**
FOX News Media also led all news brands on social media with interactions for the 140th consecutive month, according to Emplifi and Comscore Social. FOX News delivered 112.3 million social media interactions for the month with 50.2 million interactions on Facebook, 19.7 million interactions on Instagram and 6.5 million interactions on X. 

Meanwhile on TikTok, FOX News drove 35.9 million interactions, posting an 83% increase compared to the prior year.**** Additionally, FOX News drove 1.9 billion video views on social media throughout April.

FOXBusiness.com drove 185.3 million multiplatform minutes in April, finishing third in the business competitive set. Additionally, the business site delivered 87.9 million multiplatform views and 20.2 million total digital multiplatform unique visitors.***

Here's Why NYTimes Printed A Non-Factual Story?

Nicholas Kristoff (left)

The New York Times this past week published graphic, largely unverified allegations of systematic sexual abuse, including claims that Israeli guards used dogs to rape Palestinian prisoners, in a column that Douglas Murray has condemned as one of the most grotesque and timed libels against Israel in modern media.

In an opinion piece this week, longtime Times columnist Nicholas Kristof cited anonymous Palestinian detainees alleging routine rape, sexual torture, and animal-assisted assaults by Israeli soldiers and prison staff. Murray, writing in The New York Post, described the article as a deliberate fabrication designed to preempt and overshadow an upcoming Israeli commission report documenting Hamas’s widespread and systematic use of sexual violence during the October 7, 2023, massacre.

The timing was not accidental, Murray argues. 

Kristof’s column appeared just one day before the expected release of evidence showing Hamas’s “integral” policy of gang rapes, mutilations, and sexual assaults on both living victims and corpses,  crimes backed by extensive video footage, forensic findings, and eyewitness testimony. By flooding the information environment with even more lurid and implausible accusations against Israel, the Times piece aimed to block any public sympathy or understanding for the Jewish state’s security needs.

Murray dismantles the core claims as fantastical. No credible evidence exists in veterinary, military, or law-enforcement practice for training dogs to rape humans, he notes. The story relies on hostile, anonymous sources and recycles a pattern at the Times of elevating unverified anti-Israel narratives while minimizing well-documented jihadist atrocities. The effect, he writes, is to portray Jewish soldiers as uniquely demonic sadists, language that licenses real-world antisemitic violence and harassment against Jews in New York and elsewhere.

The human consequences are immediate: such coverage erodes trust in Israel’s justice system, which holds October 7 perpetrators under basic but necessary security conditions because many have attempted to kill their guards. Murray, who has visited Israeli facilities holding these terrorists as well as U.S. and other detention centers, contrasts the sparse reality with Kristof’s grotesque inventions.

At its root, Murray concludes, the decision to publish reflects institutional bias at the Times. Rather than correct course when facts contradict the preferred narrative, the paper manufactures or amplifies new ones, contributing directly to the surge in global antisemitism while later publishing puzzled editorials about that very rise. Retractions remain unlikely, as the same editors who greenlight such pieces oversee corrections.

Murray believes the episode fits a broader information war in which elite Western outlets appear compelled to invent parallel horrors by Israel to avoid confronting the documented depravity of Hamas’s October 7 crimes. Murray’s rebuttal underscores a simple truth: when reality does not serve the narrative, some publications simply rewrite it.

Hollywood Elite Donate To Spencer Pratt’s Bid for LA Mayor


Reality television star Spencer Pratt is drawing significant financial backing from Hollywood’s highest ranks for his insurgent campaign for Los Angeles mayor, with major Democratic megadonor Haim Saban and Universal Music Group CEO Sir Lucian Grainge each contributing the maximum allowable amount.

The unexpected support for the former The Hills personality reflects deep frustration among entertainment industry leaders with incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and City Hall’s handling of the devastating Palisades fires, according to industry insiders. Donors are reportedly treating the donation as an “anti-vote” — a protest against the current administration rather than pure enthusiasm for Pratt himself.

Pratt, Opponents
“It’s become an anti-vote,” said one industry source. “At a certain point, you have to hold them accountable.”

According to Matthew Frank at The Ankler, Pratt’s campaign has attracted attention for its unconventional nature, but the financial muscle behind it is anything but fringe. Saban, one of the Democratic Party’s most prolific funders, and Grainge, the powerful head of the world’s largest music company, are among the prominent names opening their wallets at the highest legal limit.

Insiders say the donor class — traditionally aligned with Democratic establishment figures — has grown so disillusioned with Bass’s leadership, particularly the city’s perceived inadequate response to the Palisades wildfires, that they are willing to bankroll a polarizing reality TV figure to send a pointed message.

MLB's Rivalry Weekend On ESPN App


MLB.TV on the ESPN App will showcase nearly 40 games during Major League Baseball’s second annual MLB Rivalry Weekend presented by Booking.com, featuring several of the sport’s most historic and compelling matchups from Friday, May 15 through Sunday, May 17.

The weekend features 15 rivalry series, including 11 Interleague rivalries and four regional rivalries, highlighted by marquee matchups such as the Subway Series between the New York Mets and New York Yankees, the Freeway Series featuring the Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Crosstown Classic between the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs.

Among the featured MLB Rivalry Weekend matchups available on MLB.TV within the ESPN App:
  • Seattle Mariners vs. San Diego Padres
  • Tampa Bay Rays vs. Miami Marlins
  • Athletics vs. San Francisco Giants
  • Cleveland Guardians vs. Cincinnati Reds
  • Atlanta Braves vs. Boston Red Sox
  • Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros
  • Kansas City Royals vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Additionally, ESPN’s out-of-market MLB Game of the Day schedule continues throughout MLB Rivalry Weekend on the ESPN App for Unlimited plan subscribers, featuring live matchups each day. 

The weekend slate includes the Miami Marlins at Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, May 15 (7:10 p.m. ET), Toronto Blue Jays at Detroit Tigers on Saturday, May 16 (1:10 p.m. ET) and Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies on Sunday, May 17 (3:10 p.m. ET).

Daily Mail U.S. Hit with Lawsuit Alleging Severe Gender Discrimination


Marianne Garvey, a real estate reporter at the Daily Mail’s U.S. operation, has filed a lawsuit against the publication, its Money & Commerce Editor Daniel Jones, and Managing Editor Richard Ellis, accusing them of fostering a hostile work environment, retaliation, severe and pervasive gender discrimination, and sexual harassment.

The complaint, filed in New York, claims that shortly after Garvey joined the company, female colleagues warned her about Jones’s abusive behavior toward women. Her legal team further alleges that the Daily Mail ran a smear campaign against her while protecting abusive male executives in an effort to silence women who speak out.

“This is one of the worst I’ve seen,” said Rosemarie Arnold, Garvey’s attorney. “In my long-standing career of protecting innocent victims of workplace harassment and abuse, this is one of the worst I’ve seen.”

The suit paints a picture of a toxic workplace culture at the tabloid’s American arm, where Garvey claims she faced repeated discrimination and harassment based on her gender. It accuses Jones and Ellis of direct involvement or oversight failures, and alleges the company retaliated against her after she raised complaints.

Lawyers for Garvey argue the Daily Mail not only failed to address the alleged misconduct but actively worked to undermine her reputation and career as a means of retaliation.

The explosive allegations are striking at a publication long known for its aggressive coverage of the sexual misconduct of public figures. Observers note the irony of the Daily Mail — which frequently reports on scandals involving powerful men — now facing bombshell claims of protecting its own alleged abusers.

Ad-Supported Streaming Has Slowed Sharply


Ad-supported streaming in the U.S. reached 110 million subscribers in Q1 2026, up 10% from the prior year, but growth has slowed sharply.

The pace marks a significant deceleration. In Q1 2025, ad-supported subscriptions nearly doubled year-over-year, rising from 53 million to 100 million.

Hulu maintains the largest share of U.S. ad-supported streaming subscribers at 23% (25.3 million), according to Antenna estimates. However, its overall share of total U.S. streaming subscribers slipped from 26% a year earlier as competitors intensified their ad-tier offerings.

Peacock and Disney+ are tied for second, each holding a 17% share with roughly 19 million ad-supported subscribers.

Disney+ led year-over-year growth, adding 5.4 million ad-supported subscribers, followed by HBO Max with 4.9 million (now at a 12% share). The figures exclude gains from free tiers, pay-TV distributor bundles, and certain other partnerships.

Among major services, Disney+ and Hulu now derive 70% of their U.S. subscriptions from ad-supported plans, the highest proportions. Peacock follows at 63%, and HBO Max at 55%.HBO Max showed particularly strong momentum in shifting toward ad-supported tiers, rising to 55% from 48% a year ago. Netflix ranked next, increasing to 54% from 49% in Q1 2025.

Iconic Kars4Kids Jingle Banned In California


The catchy “1-877-Kars-4-Kids” jingle is now barred from broadcast in California unless the ads include prominent disclosures, after a judge ruled the charity’s advertising campaign violated state false advertising and unfair competition laws.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Gassia Apkarian issued the order last week in a lawsuit brought by California resident Bruce Puterbaugh. He donated a 2001 Volvo after repeated exposure to the ads but later felt misled about where the money went.

The court found that Kars4Kids commercials created the misleading impression that car donations primarily helped needy or disadvantaged children in California. In reality, 60% of the proceeds support Oorah, an organization that funds Orthodox Jewish programs in New York, New Jersey, and the Middle East.

“The evidence also shows that children, especially needy or underprivileged children, are not the recipients of the proceeds of the donations,” Apkarian wrote. Oorah’s programs include matchmaking services for young adults and gap-year trips for 17- and 18-year-olds.

Court-Ordered Requirements:  Under the ruling, any future Kars4Kids ads airing in California must clearly and audibly disclose:
  • The organization’s religious affiliation
  • The primary geographic location of beneficiaries
  • The age range of those who benefit
The group is also prohibited from using images of prepubescent children to solicit donations that ultimately support adults.

Kars4Kids said it will appeal the decision.

Radio History: May 16


➦In 1925...the first live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby was originated by WHAS Louisville  and was also carried by WGN in Chicago. The call of the Derby featured an announcer who watched from the windows of one of the famous twin spires of Churchill Downs.

In 1925..Chester Rice and Edward Kellogg designed the dynamic loudspeaker, a significant advancement in audio technology. This invention improved the sound quality of radio broadcasts, making them clearer and more accessible to listeners, and laid the groundwork for modern audio systems.

➦In 1929...the anthology crime series True Detective Mysteries began its almost 30 year run, debuting on CBS radio, though its most popular years (1944-58) were on Mutual.

True Detective Mysteries were truly audience participation shows - each show provided descriptions of the true-story criminal and encouraged audiences to provide information leading to their capture. Rewards of $500 and later $1000 were offered in return for helpful clues from listeners.

➦In 1932...the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Act was passed in Ottawa, subjecting private stations to the control of the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission (CRBC). Five years later the Commission became the CBC.

➦In 1942...The Whistler, a radio mystery drama, made its debut on the west coast regional CBS Network. It aired on until September 22, 1955. The show was also broadcast in Chicago and over Armed Forces Radio. On the west coast, it was sponsored by the Signal Oil Company: "That whistle is your signal for the Signal Oil program, The Whistler." There were also two short-lived attempts to form east-coast broadcast spurs: July 3 to September 25, 1946, sponsored by the Campbell Soup Company; and March 26, 1947, to September 29, 1948, sponsored by Household Finance.

➦In 1947...Jack Mullin demonstrated the Magnetophon at Institute of Radio Engineers convention. The Magnetophon tape recorder was one of the first recording machines to use magnetic tape in recording voice and music.

Friday, May 15, 2026

Chicago Radio: Program Director Stephanie Tichenor Exits WLS AM


Stephanie Tichenor, Program Director of heritage news/talk station WLS-AM 890 in Chicago, has left Cumulus Media after seven years in the role.

A Cumulus Media spokesperson confirmed Tichenor’s departure to Media Confidential Friday evening. No reason for her exit was disclosed, and the company has not announced a successor or timetable for a replacement.

Stephanie Tichenor
Tichenor joined WLS-AM in March 2019 after serving as Director of News and Operations at crosstown rival WGN Radio. During her tenure, she guided the station through significant programming shifts, including a move toward more conservative syndicated content. 

In 2024, she oversaw the replacement of local shows such as “The Steve Cochran Show,” “The Closing Bell,” and “PM Chicago” with national hosts like Matt Walsh and Michael Knowles.

One notable success under her leadership was re-establishing Ray Stevens in morning drive. Stevens’ show became the station’s only remaining local weekday programming and gained traction in Chicago ratings.

Chicago ranks as the third-largest radio market in the United States, making WLS-AM — a historic brand known as “The Big 89” — a key property for Cumulus. The implications of Tichenor’s departure for the station’s future direction remain unclear as leadership evaluates next steps.

Further details on her plans or any interim programming adjustments at WLS-AM 890 are not yet available.

Detroit Radio: Jim O'Brien Exits Beasley's WCSX FM


Longtime morning radio host Jim O'Brien, known as "Big Jim," has ended his run at classic rock station 94.7 WCSX-FM, closing the popular "Big Jim's House" show after more than two decades on air.

O'Brien announced his departure Thursday, May 14, 2026, via social media, stating: "After an incredible run at WCSX, my time with the station has come to an end. I'm grateful to the listeners, teammates, clients, veterans, and Detroit community who allowed me to be part of their mornings for so many years. Detroit has been my home for 24 years, and I'm proud of everything we built together. More to come soon."

Jim O'Brien
The show, which aired weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and featured co-host Jenny Jenny in recent years, was a staple of Detroit's morning radio lineup, blending rock music, local banter, community engagement, and O'Brien's signature personality.

O'Brien joined WCSX in 2002 and became one of the market's most recognizable voices. A U.S. Navy veteran who served eight years in the submarine service, he was deeply involved in local causes, raising millions for charities and supporting veterans' initiatives across southeast Michigan. He also contributed to naming local honors like Glenn Frey Drive and Bob Seger Boulevard.

The exit appears to be part of broader cost-cutting measures at owner Beasley Media Group, which has seen other veteran departures recently.

Despite leaving the station, O'Brien emphasized he is "not going anywhere" and expressed excitement for future opportunities. No immediate replacement for the morning slot has been announced by WCSX.

L-A TV: MLB Angels Fire Team Announcer

Patrick O’Neal, who has served as a television announcer for the Los Angeles Angels for the past 13 seasons, will not return to the club, the team has announced.

Patrick O'Neal
O’Neal, 58, rotated play-by-play duties with lead voice Wayne Randazzo and also handled pre- and postgame hosting responsibilities on Angels telecasts. He has simultaneously contributed to Los Angeles Kings hockey broadcasts.

“The Angels organization would like to thank Patrick O’Neal for his 13 years of dedication to the Angels broadcast team,” the club said in a statement. “He brought a sense of pride to each telecast, something that was felt by Angels fans watching at home.”

In a statement posted to X, O’Neal wrote: “Thank you to the Angels for the amazing broadcast opportunities. I cherish every moment and every friend I made. It’s the great people I will miss the most. Chopping it up talking baseball with some of the best to ever do it. It will be hard to replace that. Go Halos!”

NYC Radio WFAN Leads Off Subway Series With All-Day Broadcast


As New York’s most passionate sports rivalry takes center stage, WFAN (WFAN-FM/AM), the most listened-to sports radio station in America, is bringing fans directly into the action. On May 15, the station will broadcast live all day from the MLB Flagship Store (NYC), leading into the Yankees vs. Mets Subway Series matchup at Citi Field as part of MLB “Rivalry Weekend.”

The station’s entire weekday lineup will air at its regular schedule, including “The Warm Up Show” from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. ET, “Boomer & Gio” from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. ET, “Evan & Tiki” from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET and “The Craig Carton Show” with Chris McMonigle from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET. All festivities at the flagship store lead fans to the New York Yankees pre-game show at 6:35 p.m. ET and the play-by-play broadcast with Dave Sims and Suzyn Waldman at 7:15 p.m. ET.