Good Morning: The Pulse Has Our Briefing For Tuesday, March 17

Radio Broadcasting

Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2026 – Major Focus This Week:  CRS is the key annual gathering for country music radio professionals, programmers, artists, labels, and vendors. 

• Attendees are arriving in Nashville, with badge pickup available starting March 17 (e.g., from 3–5 p.m. at the Omni, and some pre-events noted for March 17 afternoon).
• A notable pre-show event is the Radio Vendor Alliance (RVA)'s first-ever seminar, "The Radio Station of the Future," held on March 17. This partners with CRS to discuss forward-looking strategies for radio operations, tech integration, and industry evolution.
• Recent announcements highlight the agenda: Workshop Alley on March 20 features tracks on AI Classroom (innovation/AI tools), 360° Approach to Being a Jock (on-air talent development), and Sales: Acoustic (revenue strategies). 
• Other highlights include research presentations (e.g., NuVoodoo music testing on March 18, perceptual studies, and teen-focused CMA research), the Digital Music Summit (DMS) 
• Woven throughout, New Faces of Country Music Show, CRS Honors, label luncheons, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley (featuring '90s country stars like Clint Black), and artist spotlights (e.g., conversations with Jo Dee Messina and Ella Langley).

This event draws significant attention in country radio circles, with networking, education, and artist-radio interactions driving coverage.

Media Industry

Trump Administration and FCC Intensify Pressure on Media Over Iran War Coverage: President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr are aggressively criticizing media outlets for what they label "fake news" or distorted reporting on the Iran conflict, including claims of underestimating impacts on the Strait of Hormuz, oil fields, and U.S. military efforts. 

Key developments:

• FCC Chair Brendan Carr has publicly warned broadcasters (TV and radio stations) that airing "hoaxes and news distortions" (termed "fake news") could jeopardize license renewals, urging them to "correct course" before reviews. This follows Trump's accusations on social media and public statements labeling certain coverage as undermining the war effort or even "treasonous."
• Coverage from major outlets (e.g., AP via US News, NYT, CNN, NPR, Reuters, Variety, LA Times) highlights lectures, social media reposts by Carr amplifying Trump, and outright threats. Critics, including constitutional experts and free speech advocates (e.g., Cato Institute, First Amendment Center analyses), argue these threats are largely hollow due to First Amendment protections and limited FCC authority over content (short of clear hoaxes or public interest failures).

Other Regulatory and Industry Notes:

• FCC activities include discussions on modernizing rules and a recent webinar on the Telecommunications Act's legacy.
• Traffic declines reported for many major news sites in February (e.g., double-digit drops for 30 of top 50 per Similarweb), highlighting ongoing digital challenges for traditional media.

U-S News

U.S.-Iran War Enters Third Week: Intensified Fighting, Casualties, and Diplomatic Pressure. The U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iran continues with no clear end in sight, entering its third week amid heavy strikes on both sides:

• Reports of at least 200 U.S. troops injured (with 13 confirmed dead) in recent escalations, including Iranian retaliatory actions targeting U.S. interests and energy infrastructure.
• U.S. jets struck Iran's Kharg Island oil hub, while Iran threatened American industries in the Middle East and arrested 10 foreigners on spying charges. Video emerged of attacks on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.
• President Trump pressured NATO allies, China, and others to help secure/reopen the Strait of Hormuz (critical for global oil flow), criticizing non-committal nations and floating potential deals or escalations. Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair vowed to keep shipping lanes open, with Israel launching limited ground operations in Lebanon tied to the broader conflict.
• Broader impacts: Civilian suffering in the Persian Gulf region, family grief for fallen U.S. troops, and geopolitical gains for Russia (e.g., Vladimir Putin benefiting from diverted Western attention and potential sanctions relief).
• Domestic criticism: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries slammed Trump's actions as a "reckless war of choice," highlighting inadequate preparation for consequences.

This story dominates broadcasts, with live updates from FOX News CNN, NBC, ABC, and others, plus congressional hearings and White House messaging under scrutiny.

Severe Weather and Storm Aftermath Across the U.S.:  Powerful storms swept the eastern U.S., dumping snow in the Midwest, causing destructive winds/tornado risks from Florida to the Northeast, and blizzard conditions farther north

• Hundreds of flights canceled or delayed, with ongoing disruptions.
• Violent weather system tracked by meteorologists, affecting travel and daily life in multiple regions.

Nielsen Says Radio Reaches 93 Percent of All Adults Monthly

Nielsen's latest Audio Today 2026 report, released Monday, reaffirms AM/FM radio's dominance in audience reach and advertising effectiveness amid industry challenges.

Key findings highlight radio's powerhouse status:

• Radio reaches 93% of all U.S. adults monthly—outpacing smartphones (89%), TV (84%), and PCs (76%)—with near-universal penetration among Hispanic (94%) and Black (93%) consumers.
• It delivers the highest ROI among platforms (trailing only social media), despite marketers often ranking it lower in perceived effectiveness—a notable "perception gap."
• AM/FM radio captures over 80% of ad-supported audio time in vehicles, with nearly 75% of out-of-home listening during peak drive times happening in cars, positioning ads close to purchase decisions.
• Radio alone reaches 89% of adults 18-34; adding podcasts boosts incremental reach by 5 points, nearing 100% coverage for this key demographic.
• Combined, radio and podcasts account for over 80% of daily ad-supported audio time, dwarfing streaming music's 15% share.

Older Demos Showing Real Growth For Online Listening

The 55+ demographic is showing real and surprising growth in adopting online music streaming services like Spotify and YouTube Music, according Radio Futurist James Cridland, writing in his Radioland newsletter. 

Recent data highlights this shift: In the US, 63% of Americans aged 55+ listened to digital audio in the past month as of 2025, up 11% from 52% the year before. This includes streaming music platforms, where older listeners are increasingly turning to services for on-demand access.

YouTube Music stands out as particularly strong in this group, often leading adoption trends among older demographics according to reports on entertainment-on-demand data. While overall market leaders like Spotify hold larger shares globally (around 35% in recent figures), YTM's appeal—tied to familiar YouTube integration—helps drive uptake among 55+ users who may prefer video-linked music discovery.

This trend makes sense historically. Today's 55-year-olds grew up with early personal computers in their late teens during the 1980s/early 1990s, then embraced file-sharing via Napster and Limewire in their late 20s/early 30s around the turn of the millennium. By the time smartphones and Spotify launched in the late 2000s/2010s, many were in prime earning years and could easily afford subscriptions, debunking outdated stereotypes about older adults shunning tech.

Radio remains the stronghold for 55+ listeners overall, especially for live, local, and spoken-word content. However, the notable rise in online music streaming among this age group signals that radio must sharpen its unique value—such as community connection, curated live programming, personalities, and immediacy—to stay competitive.

FCC Chair Hints At Targeting 'Early Renewals'

The FCC could accelerate reviews of broadcast television station licenses, potentially bringing them up earlier than their scheduled October 2028 renewal date, FCC Chair Brendan Carr told Reuters.

Carr said "you can do early renewals" and that licenses "could come up earlier than 2028." He described revocation as possible, stating "all of that stuff is on the table" amid ongoing FCC investigations into broadcasters including NBC, ABC, PBS, NPR, CBS, and Disney-owned properties.

Carr emphasized that forcing broadcasters to "reorient their operations to the public interest" would be a "good thing long-term," noting the FCC has not revoked a TV station license in over 40 years.

FCC's Gomez: Ignore Threats

The lone Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez stated that FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's recent threats to revoke broadcast licenses of TV and radio stations over their coverage of President Donald Trump's military campaign against Iran are baseless, lack legal grounding, and amount to intimidation tactics with no real enforcement power.

Gomez urged journalists and broadcasters to ignore these threats and continue independent reporting without fear, emphasizing that they violate the First Amendment and would fail in court.

Carr's warnings followed a social media post from Trump criticizing news coverage of an Iranian attack on a U.S. Air Force base in Saudi Arabia, where reports indicated five refueling aircraft were destroyed or heavily damaged (though Trump downplayed the extent). Carr reminded licensees of their "public interest" obligation and suggested licenses could be canceled at renewal if coverage is deemed unfavorable by the administration.

BBC Asks Judge To Toss Trump Lawsuit

The BBC has formally asked a U.S. federal judge to dismiss President Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the broadcaster, arguing in court filings released on Monday that the president's reelection in 2024 proves the alleged misleading edit caused no lasting harm to his reputation.

The lawsuit, originally filed in a Florida federal court late last year, centers on the BBC's editing of Trump's January 6, 2021, speech in a Panorama documentary (titled something along the lines of "Trump: A Second Chance?"). Trump claims the broadcaster spliced together portions of the speech—most notably around his "fight like hell" remark—to falsely imply he directly incited supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol, while omitting his calls for peaceful protest. 

NYC Radio: Audacy Adds MaxxCasting Signal Optimization

Audacy has partnered with GeoBroadcast Solutions (GBS) to deploy MaxxCasting signal-optimization technology in New York City, targeting two key FM stations: WCBS-FM (101.1), the iconic classic hits outlet branded as "New York's Greatest Hits," and WXBK-FM (94.7 The Block), the Newark-licensed station delivering classic hip-hop and throwbacks to the metro area.

The agreements will install synchronized on-channel boosters to eliminate "invisible coverage gaps" caused by New York's skyscrapers, urban terrain, and street-level obstacles—issues that disrupt even powerful FM signals in vehicles, on sidewalks, and indoors where most listening occurs.

"Even strong FM signals can have invisible coverage gaps," a GBS spokesperson stated. "Broadcast planning historically assumed ideal conditions and rooftop antennas. But real listening happens at street level, in motion, in dense markets like New York. MaxxCasting is designed specifically to address those realities."

John Kennedy, Audacy's Senior Vice President of Technical Operations, highlighted the competitive stakes in the nation's largest radio market. "Improving signal consistency is critical in competitive markets like New York," Kennedy said. 

SiriusXM Counting On Companion Plan To Boost Loyalty

In December SiriusXM has launched a new Companion plan that lets eligible full-price subscribers share streaming access with another household member, providing each with their own personalized library and recommendations on the SiriusXM app.

The feature represents a key shift in the company's strategy. Rather than depending primarily on new vehicle installations for growth, SiriusXM is prioritizing higher engagement across multiple devices and locations. This approach ties subscriptions more closely to individual users than to specific vehicles, adapting to a streaming-dominated listening environment.

SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz highlighted the plan's role in the company's broader efforts to boost retention and value for existing customers. 

Some Radio Jobs Make Top 10 List Impacted By AI

A Washington Post analysis, drawing from a Microsoft Research study, ranks Broadcast Announcers and Radio DJs among the top 10 jobs most vulnerable to AI replacement, with an AI applicability score of 41%.

This places the role tied for 9th/10th on the list of occupations with the highest exposure to generative AI disruption, alongside Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks (also 41%). The vulnerability arises from AI's rapid advances in voice synthesis, audio generation, script reading, automated hosting, news delivery, traffic/weather updates, and even simulated DJ personalities or on-air banter—tasks that traditionally define radio broadcasting.

The top 10 most at-risk jobs, per the Microsoft Research data featured in the Post, include:

• Interpreters and Translators (49%)
• Historians (48%)
• Passenger Attendants (47%)
• Sales Representatives of Services (46%)
• Writers and Authors (45%)
• Customer Service Representatives (44%)
• CNC Tool Programmers (44%)
• Telephone Operators (42%)
• Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks (41%)
• Broadcast Announcers and Radio DJs (41%)

WBD Execs Set to Receive Huge Payout

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav is eligible to receive at least $551.5 million in compensation under the media giant’s pending $110 billion merger with Paramount Skydance, according to a new SEC filing on Monday.

The total package includes $34,219,178 in cash, $517,204,781 in equity, $44,195 in “perquisites and benefits.” The cash component includes $6 million in salary severance and $28.2 million in bonus severance. Meanwhile, the equity component includes $443,131,800 in options, 60,867,415 in restricted stock units and 13,205,566 in performance-based restricted stock units.

Additionally, Zaslav is eligible to receive a tax reimbursement, though the actual amount will “significantly decline with the passage of time” under IRS rules depending on when the deal closes.

Had it closed on March 11, Zaslav would’ve been eligible for a $335.4 million tax reimbursement, bringing his estimated total compensation package to $887 million. Based on current estimates from WBD’s outside tax advisers, if the Paramount-WBD closing were to occur in 2027, no tax reimbursement payment would be expected to be made to Zaslav.

In addition to Zaslav, WBD chief financial officer Gunnar Wiedenfels is eligible for a total payout of $120 million, chief strategy and revenue officer Bruce Campbell is eligible for $121.5 million, streaming and games chief JB Perrette is eligible for $142 million and international president Gerhard Zeiler is eligible for $82.6 million.

Monday’s filing states that the actual amounts may differ, noting that the estimates are “based on multiple assumptions that may or may not actually occur or be accurate.” For example, the award could be larger in the event that the merger’s “ticking” consideration is paid.

Vinyl Sales Reach $1B for First Time Since 1983

The U.S. recorded-music industry achieved a historic milestone in 2025, reaching a record-high revenue of $11.5 billion, according to the Recording Industry Association of America's (RIAA) year-end report. 

This figure, reported on a wholesale basis, represents continued growth for the sector, driven primarily by streaming and a remarkable resurgence in physical formats.

The surge was fueled most significantly by premium paid streaming subscriptions, which grew 6.8% year-over-year to $5.88 billion. Overall streaming revenues climbed to $9.5 billion, accounting for the vast majority of the industry's income and underscoring how platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and others have solidified their dominance. 

The U.S. remains the world's largest paid subscription market, with 106.5 million accounts contributing $6.4 billion in total paid subscription revenue (including both premium and non-premium tiers).

Adding to the positive momentum, vinyl sales continued their nearly two-decade revival, growing for the 19th consecutive year and surpassing $1 billion in revenue for the first time since 1983. This milestone—reaching approximately $1.04 billion in some estimates—highlights vinyl's enduring appeal among collectors and fans, representing nearly 50% of the format's global value despite comprising under 10% of total U.S. recorded music sales.

The overall 3.1% year-over-year increase to $11.54 billion (rounded to $11.5 billion in reports) reflects the industry's ability to balance digital dominance with renewed interest in tangible formats, even as challenges like market saturation and economic factors temper faster expansion seen in prior years. This record performance positions the U.S. as a global leader in music revenue generation.

Radio History: March 17

Kate Smith

➦In 1931...Kate Smith started to become a major star of radio. She began with her twice-a-week NBC series, Kate Smith Sings (quickly expanded to six shows a week), followed by a series of shows for CBS: Kate Smith and Her Swanee Music (1931–33), sponsored by La Palina Cigars; The Kate Smith Matinee (1934–35); The Kate Smith New Star Revue (1934–35); Kate Smith's Coffee Time (1935–36), sponsored by A&P; and The Kate Smith A&P Bandwagon (1936–37).

The Kate Smith Hour was a leading radio variety show, offering comedy, music, and drama with appearances by top personalities of films and theater for eight years (1937–45). The show's resident comics, Abbott and Costello and Henny Youngman, introduced their comedy to a nationwide radio audience aboard her show, while a series of sketches based on the Broadway production of the same name led to The Aldrich Family as a separate hit series in its own right in 1940.

Smith continued on the Mutual Broadcasting System, CBS, ABC, and NBC, doing both music and talk shows on radio until 1960.

Phil Baker

➦In 1933...Phil Baker was heard on network radio for the first time when The Armour Jester was heard on the old NBC Blue network. Baker rapidly rose to the top of the radio ratings, and was quizmaster on the original $64 Question (Take It Or Leave It).

➦In 1935...Major changes on KSO Clarinda, Iowa as it gained a sister station in Des Moines, KRNT. To accommodate the new station, KSO moved to 1430 kc, a frequency previously used by KWCR, Cedar Rapids.  KWCR moved to Des Moines and given to KSO-AM call-sign.

NAB Mum On Latest Threat To Broadcasters

It started Sunday night with a Truth Social eruption. More than 1,600 words across multiple posts, and the targets were familiar: the Supreme Court, the Fed, Jack Smith. But buried in the rage was something new — a direct threat against the journalists covering his war. Media organizations making false claims about the Iran conflict were "pretty criminal," Trump wrote. On Air Force One, he went further, calling war coverage potentially treasonous and telling one reporter she was "a very obnoxious person." ABC News, he declared, was "maybe the most corrupt news organization on the planet."

CNN Brian Stelter's reporting transforms FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's broadcast license threat from mere bluster into evidence of direct coordination with President Trump. Stelter revealed that Carr posted his warning—urging local broadcasters running "hoaxes and news distortions" on Iran war coverage to "correct course" before license renewals, or risk losing them—while at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach. 

Stelter himself was on the same flight home from Fort Lauderdale as Carr, adding context to the timing. Carr attached one of Trump's Truth Social messages criticizing "terrible" Iran war reporting to the post, reinforcing the appearance of alignment. 

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has remained conspicuously silent on the threats, which critics attribute to many station owners having mergers or regulatory matters pending before the FCC. 

This caution prioritizes potential regulatory relief over defending First Amendment rights, even as experts like public interest lawyer Andrew Jay Schwartzman describe Carr's warnings as legally hollow—the agency lacks authority to revoke licenses based on content dissatisfaction. From CNN's Aaron Blake: "Even if Carr doesn't have authority to do what he's threatening, these threats matter greatly. He's recruiting MAGA to a more restrictive view of the First Amendment."

Inside CNN, the reaction was disgust. "The administration has made clear they expect the American press to root for President Trump," a network executive told Status. "That is not the role of the American press."