Radio History: March 29

➦In 1888...Radio, film actor Earle Ross born (Died of cancer at age 73 – May 21, 1961).

While in school he became interested in dramatics and was usually cast as a villain or an old man because of his unusual voice characteristics. In 1908 he worked with Colonel Bill Selig in his first 5-reel movie film The Holy Cross. In 1912, he ventured to the East Coast and worked on Broadway in such shows as Where the Trail Divides and Cost of Living. From there, he started his own chain of theaters but went broke in the Wall Street Crash of 1929.

Ross became a radio broadcast pioneer and had his own show, The Earle Ross Theater of the Air and also starred in Inspector Post, a continuing radio drama.  Ross's most memorable roles were on radio: that of Judge Horace Hooker on The Great Gildersleeve and Howie MacBrayer on Point Sublime.

➦In 1904..Thomas Edison received a patent for the alkaline storage battery (U.S. Patent No. 755,728). This innovation was foundational for powering early radio equipment, enabling longer and more reliable transmissions—a critical step for the medium’s development. Edison’s work indirectly supported the growth of radio technology in its formative years.

Jack Benny

➦In 1932...Jack Benny first appeared on radio as a guest of Ed Sullivan. He was then given his own show later that year, with Canada Dry Ginger Ale as a sponsor —The Canada Dry Ginger Ale Program, beginning May 2, 1932, on the NBC Blue Network and continuing there for six months until October 26, moving the show to CBS on October 30. With Ted Weems leading the band, Benny stayed on CBS until January 26, 1933.

Arriving at NBC on March 17, Benny did The Chevrolet Program until April 1, 1934 with Frank Black leading the band. He continued with The General Tire Revue for the rest of that season, and in the fall of 1934, for General Foods as The Jell-O Program Starring Jack Benny (1934–42) and, when sales of Jell-O were affected by sugar rationing during World War II, The Grape Nuts Flakes Program Starring Jack Benny (later the Grape Nuts and Grape Nuts Flakes Program) (1942–44).

On October 1, 1944, the show became The Lucky Strike Program Starring Jack Benny, when American Tobacco's Lucky Strike cigarettes took over as his radio sponsor, through the mid-1950s. By that time, the practice of using the sponsor's name as the title began to fade.

The show returned to CBS on January 2, 1949, as part of CBS president William S. Paley's "raid" of NBC talent in 1948-49. There it stayed for the remainder of its radio run, which ended on May 22, 1955. CBS aired repeats of previous 1953-55 radio episodes from 1956 to 1958 as The Best of Benny for State Farm Insurance, who later sponsored his television program from 1960 through 1965.

➦In 1936..radio took a political leap when it was used prominently in a U.S. presidential campaign, often credited as the first significant instance of such broadcasts. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration leveraged radio to reach voters directly, a strategy that built on his famous "Fireside Chats" (which began in 1933). This event underscored radio’s growing role as a tool for mass communication and political influence, shaping how campaigns would use media moving forward.

➦In 1937...The radio soap opera Our Gal Sunday made its first national broadcast on CBS.  It continued until January 2, 1959.  The origin of this radio series was a 1904 Broadway production, Sunday, which starred Ethel Barrymore. This play was the source of the catchphrase, "That's all there is, there isn't any more."

➦In 1941...WPAT AM NYC Market signed-on.

For many years, the station (along with its FM counterpart) would broadcast a beautiful music format under the slogan "Easy 93".

The WPAT stations were purchased by Capital Cities Communications in 1961.  In the 1970s, WPAT began integrating some baby boomer soft vocals such as the Carpenters, Neil Diamond, Dionne Warwick, and others, still playing one vocal per 15 minutes. In 1982, the stations began playing soft rock songs mixed into the format a couple times an hour and cut back on pop standards artists and songs.

In 1985, Capital Cities announced that it would buy ABC.  As a result of Federal Communications Commission regulations at the time, the company decided to sell WPAT and WPAT-FM because ABC already owned WABC and WPLJ in New York City. The WPAT stations would be sold to Park Communications.

In January 1996, WPAT-FM was sold to Spanish Broadcasting System and switched to a Spanish-language adult contemporary format. Around the same time, WPAT was sold to Heftel Broadcasting and switched to an automated Classic Salsa/Tropical music format on March 26. Heftel tried buying the FM station but was narrowly outbid by SBS. Heftel bought WPAT with plans to sell it to Multicultural Broadcasting and buying an FM station.

Weeks later, the station would start adding ethnic and paid programming.  By the next year, the station's ownership would change finally when its current owners, Multicultural Broadcasting, would buy the station in exchange for WNWK plus Multicultural was paid some cash for WNWK as well. (WNWK subsequently would become WCAA, then in 2009 would switch frequencies with WQXR-FM, New York. It is now known as WXNY-FM and broadcasts at 96.3 FM.) The new owners of WPAT would soon modify the station to its current paid ethnic programming format, moving Radio Korea to WZRC.

➦In 1941...Under the provisions of the North American Regional Broadcasting Agreement, stations assigned to 760 kHz were shifted to 770 kHz, which has been WJZ / WABC's dial position ever since.   WABC started off as WJZ when it signed on October 1, 1921.

CA Judge Orders Nexstar To Keep Tegna Assets Separate

A U.S. judge on Friday ordered Nexstar to temporarily keep Tegna’s assets separate while the court reviews whether Nexstar’s $3.54 billion acquisition of Tegna violates federal antitrust laws.

U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley in Sacramento issued the hold-separate order in response to a federal antitrust lawsuit filed by DirecTV, which contends the merger will irreparably raise consumer costs, reduce local competition, shutter local newsrooms and increase both the frequency and duration of blackouts of key local sports teams.

The companies closed the deal quickly after the Justice Department and Federal Communications Commission approved the transaction on March 19. Despite those approvals, the court’s order prevents Nexstar from integrating Tegna’s operations while litigation proceeds.

According to Reuters, DirecTV argued the combined company would wield excessive market power, and Nunley wrote that DirecTV had established the “proposed merger is presumed likely to violate antitrust laws based on the combined firm market share alone.”

Eight states, led by California and New York, have also sought a temporary restraining order to block the merger. The states say the deal would create the largest broadcast station group in the U.S., reaching about 80% of American households, and would “put more broadcast programming in the hands of fewer people, cut local jobs, increase cable bills, and significantly impact the delivery of news and other media content to Americans nationwide.”

Nexstar and DirecTV did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The court will consider the parties’ briefs and hold further proceedings to determine whether a preliminary injunction or other relief is warranted while the antitrust case continues.

Nexstar-Tegna Deal Sparks Carr, Newsom Feud

A newly approved mega-merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna Inc. is sparking a high-profile political feud between Gavin Newsom and Brendan Carr, even as legal challenges to the deal continue.

The merger cleared last week by both the FCC and the DOJ creates a broadcasting giant controlling nearly 260 stations nationwide. Shortly after receiving approval, Nexstar confirmed the acquisition had officially closed.

Central to the controversy is the FCC’s decision to grant Nexstar a waiver from its national media ownership cap, which typically prevents a single company from reaching more than 50% of U.S. households. The combined Nexstar-Tegna footprint extends to roughly 80%, drawing sharp criticism from Newsom.

 Calling the move “a disgrace,” Newsom directly attacked Carr, accusing him of abusing regulatory authority and favoring political interests. He also referenced past comments and actions by Carr that he claims suggest efforts to influence media coverage and pressure broadcasters.

Those concerns stem in part from previous incidents involving late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Last year, Carr warned broadcasters following controversy over a joke tied to conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. In podcast remarks, Carr suggested stations could either address such content voluntarily or face increased regulatory scrutiny. Soon after, Nexstar and Sinclair Broadcast Group temporarily pulled Kimmel’s show from some ABC-affiliated stations, though it was later restored.

Carr has also recently signaled a tougher stance toward broadcasters more broadly. Earlier this month, after criticism from Donald Trump over media coverage of the war in Iran, Carr warned that stations airing what he described as “hoaxes” or “news distortions” could risk losing their licenses if they fail to meet public interest standards.

Responding to Newsom’s criticism, Carr fired back on social media, accusing the governor of acting on behalf of “liberal Hollywood donors” and media elites. Carr argued that stronger FCC oversight is necessary to hold broadcasters accountable and prevent biased or misleading coverage.

FCC's Carr: 'Trump Is Winning'

FCC Chair Brendan Carr told attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Friday that he is reshaping the media landscape, declaring “Trump is winning” and citing what he described as moves against left-leaning outlets and personalities.

Speaking at the conference, Carr pointed to efforts to defund public broadcasters PBS and NPR and noted recent departures of journalists and television hosts he characterized as left-leaning, including Joy Reid, Chuck Todd and Stephen Colbert, as evidence of broader change in media influence. He said those developments reflected a shift in which viewpoints dominate mainstream outlets.

Carr framed his remarks as part of a deliberate push to challenge perceived liberal bias in media and praised conservative gains in media influence. He also linked the trends he described to broader political victories for Republicans, encapsulated in his “Trump is winning” remark.

His comments drew immediate attention at CPAC and prompted responses from media analysts and political observers who disputed the characterization of the departures and the causes behind them. The FCC chair’s role is regulatory, not editorial, and his statements underscored tensions over the agency’s public posture toward broadcast and public media.

Carr’s appearance follows heightened debate over federal support for public broadcasters and ongoing scrutiny of media ownership, content moderation and perceived ideological slants — issues that continue to be contested in both policy and public discourse.

Liberals Rally to Protest Trump Policies

Joan Baez on The Left

Jane Fonda warned Friday that the Trump administration poses a growing threat to free expression, saying Americans are “witnessing censorship, political intimidation, and a growing effort to reshape American history and cultural life through fear and attacks on our First Amendment.”

Fonda made the remarks at an event titled “Artists United for Our Freedom,” hosted by the Committee for the First Amendment outside the Kennedy Center before roughly 100 invited guests on a rainy afternoon. The gathering featured appearances by actor Sam Waterston, poet Rupi Kaur, comedy writer Bess Kalb and singer Joan Baez, who performed and has a long history of activism.



Fonda said recent actions — including book bans and the removal of plaques and monuments — reflect an administration-driven effort to erase uncomfortable parts of history. The White House issued a statement countering the demonstration’s claims, arguing critics have undervalued efforts to reshape the center.

Organizers chose the Kennedy Center intentionally; the institution has been embroiled in controversy during the president’s second term over its name, programming, staffing and renovations, disputes critics say have undermined the cultural landmark. Baez and Fonda, both veteran protesters, framed the event as part of a broader defense of artistic freedom.

Savannah Guthrie Scheduled To Return April 6

NBC announced Friday that Savannah Guthrie will return as a “Today” show anchor on April 6, a little more than two months after she took leave to focus on the search for her abducted 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie.

The network’s announcement was delivered on-air by Hoda Kotb, who has been filling in for Guthrie; Kotb told viewers “she is coming back to this job that she loves.” Co-anchor Craig Melvin added, “It’s where she belongs. It’s where we all want her to be. We cannot wait to welcome her back with open arms.”

Guthrie’s leave followed the widely reported disappearance of her mother, a case that has riveted the nation but so far yielded no decisive leads. Investigators continue the search, though the number of detectives assigned to the case began to decline in late February.

Signs of Guthrie’s return emerged in recent weeks, including her first interview since the ordeal, conducted this week with Kotb. In that conversation Guthrie said she believes her mother’s disappearance was a ransom kidnapping and expressed regret that her public profile may have contributed to the situation.

Versant Pursuing Vox Media’s Podcast Business

Versant is exploring a potential acquisition of Vox Media’s podcast network, according to a report from The New York Times, as the newly public company looks to expand its footprint in digital audio and media.

The discussions are still in early stages and may not lead to a deal, sources told the publication, but they underscore Versant’s aggressive push into growth areas following its recent spinoff from Comcast.

Interest in Vox Media’s assets appears to extend beyond podcasts. Multiple potential buyers are reportedly evaluating different parts of the company, including its portfolio of digital brands such as Vox.com, The Verge, and Eater, while others are said to be eyeing New York Magazine. The breadth of interest highlights the continued value of established digital media brands, even as the sector faces economic pressure.

A transaction between Versant and Vox Media would also represent a renewed connection between the companies. In 2015, NBCUniversal — then part of Comcast and the parent of MSNBC — invested $200 million in Vox Media during the height of the digital media boom. Versant inherited that stake when it was spun out of Comcast earlier this year, giving it an existing financial and strategic link to the company.

At the time of that investment, traditional television companies viewed digital-native outlets like Vox Media and BuzzFeed as key to reaching younger audiences and accelerating the industry’s transition to online platforms.

Versant has since moved quickly to establish itself as an active dealmaker. Since its Nasdaq debut, the company has acquired Free TV Networks, which provides over-the-air digital broadcasts, and INDY Cinema Group, a technology platform serving movie theaters. A potential Vox Media podcast acquisition would further diversify its portfolio, particularly in the fast-growing podcast and on-demand audio space.

While no agreement is imminent, the talks signal continued consolidation across digital media and audio, as companies seek scale, audience reach, and new revenue streams in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Audacy SVP/Programming Michael Martin to Exit

Michael Martin is stepping down as Senior Vice President of Programming and Head of Music Initiatives at Audacy, with his departure set to take effect May 1, the company confirmed.

Martin’s exit marks a significant leadership change at one of the nation’s largest audio and radio broadcasters, where he has played a central role in shaping programming strategy and overseeing music initiatives across its portfolio of stations.

During his tenure, Martin helped guide Audacy’s content direction amid a rapidly evolving audio landscape, balancing traditional radio programming with the company’s growing focus on digital streaming, podcasts, and national music strategy. His leadership extended across multiple formats, influencing playlist curation, talent development, and brand positioning in key markets.

Michael Martin

The company has not yet publicly announced a successor or detailed how Martin’s responsibilities will be redistributed following his departure. It also remains unclear whether his exit is tied to broader strategic shifts within Audacy as the company continues to navigate industry-wide changes, including increased competition from streaming platforms and shifting listener habits.

Audacy has undergone notable transformation in recent years, working to strengthen its position in both terrestrial radio and digital audio while adapting to economic pressures and evolving advertiser demands.

Martin’s departure comes at a time when leadership stability and programming direction are critical to maintaining audience engagement and market share, particularly as audio companies compete for listeners across an expanding array of platforms.

DOJ Sends Subpoenas In PSKY, WBD Antitrust Review

The DOJ has issued subpoenas as part of an escalating antitrust investigation into the proposed $110 billion merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, signaling heightened scrutiny of one of Hollywood’s largest-ever deals.

The probe focuses on how the acquisition could reshape the entertainment landscape, including its impact on studio output, content rights, competition among streaming platforms, and the future of movie theaters, according to sources familiar with the matter. Regulators are also examining whether the merger would reduce the number of buyers for films and television shows — a key concern for independent producers.

The high-stakes deal, which would combine two major studios along with their streaming services and news operations, has drawn intense attention across both Hollywood and Wall Street. While it promises to unite some of the industry’s most valuable franchises, critics warn it could come at the cost of widespread job losses and reduced content production.

Reuters reports the Justice Department has made clear the deal will not receive preferential treatment. Acting Assistant Attorney General Omeed Assefi recently said the transaction would “absolutely not” be fast-tracked due to political considerations, underscoring the seriousness of the review.

Internally, Paramount has acknowledged the likelihood of global regulatory hurdles but remains committed to closing the deal quickly. The company has projected $6 billion in cost “synergies” — often interpreted as a signal of potential layoffs — though it says most savings would come from consolidating technology, real estate, and other corporate operations.

Industry stakeholders are increasingly voicing concern. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters warned the merger poses a “direct threat” to jobs and urged regulators to block the deal unless enforceable protections are implemented. Meanwhile, theater owners, represented by Cinema United, cautioned that past studio consolidations have typically resulted in fewer films being produced.

'Hey Jude' Named The Beatles' 'Most Perfect Song

“Hey Jude” has been named the most perfect song by Collider in its new ranking of the 10 greatest tracks by The Beatles, reaffirming the band’s enduring legacy decades after its 1970 breakup.

The list highlights some of the group’s most iconic work, with “Hey Jude” — released in 1968 — taking the top spot for its uplifting message and expansive musical arrangement. The publication noted the song’s powerful lyrics and lasting cultural impact, bolstered by its multi-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 following its release in late September 1968.

Rounding out the top tier are several of the band’s most celebrated hits, including “Come Together” (1969), “Let It Be” (1970), “Blackbird” (1968), and “A Hard Day’s Night” (1964). The broader list also features classics such as “Yesterday,” “In My Life,” “All You Need Is Love,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” reflecting the group’s deep and influential catalog.

Despite evolving music trends and the rise of modern artists, The Beatles continue to resonate widely, with their songs frequently topping “best of” lists and shaping generations of musicians and fans alike.

The inspiration behind “Hey Jude” adds to its legacy. In a 2018 interview with GQ, Paul McCartney said he wrote the song to comfort Julian Lennon during the breakup of his parents, John Lennon and Cynthia Lennon. Originally titled “Hey Jules,” the song evolved into what McCartney described as a “reassurance” anthem.

McCartney has continued performing the track in concert, saying its communal singalong — particularly the famous closing refrain — creates a unifying moment for audiences. He noted that in a divided world, the experience of thousands of fans joining together to sing “Hey Jude” remains one of the most powerful aspects of his live shows.

Salem Radio Host Chris Stigall Decides To Run For Office

Talk host Chris Stigall has announced he is leaving radio to run for Congress in Missouri’s 6th District, entering the race following the unexpected retirement of longtime Rep. Sam Graves.

The Salem Radio Network morning host revealed his decision in a video posted to X, describing Graves’ planned departure as “very sudden news” that prompted him to step forward as a candidate. Graves, who has represented the district for years, said he will not seek reelection this fall, opening the seat in a reliably Republican region.

Stigall framed his campaign as a move from political commentary to direct involvement in policymaking. After years behind the microphone discussing national and local issues, he said the current political climate and the opportunity created by Graves’ exit pushed him to take action rather than continue analyzing events from the sidelines.

Chris Stigall

Throughout his broadcasting career, Stigall built a following among conservative listeners, often focusing on government policy, cultural issues, and electoral politics. His transition into a candidate reflects a broader trend of media figures leveraging their platforms and name recognition to enter public office.

The Missouri 6th District race is expected to draw significant attention, given its open-seat status and the region’s importance within the state’s political landscape. While Stigall has not yet outlined a full policy platform, his campaign message is expected to align closely with the themes he emphasized on air.

His departure also marks a notable shift for Salem Radio Network, where he has been a prominent voice in its lineup. The network has not yet announced plans for a replacement or how his exit will affect its programming schedule.

FOX Nation To Stream Series On America's Churches

Benjamin Hall travels across the United States in a Fox News feature series, exploring some of the nation’s most stunning houses of worship to reveal their history, architectural beauty, and the role faith plays in shaping local communities.

Episodes will stream on FOX Nation, starting Monday, March 30.  

From historic cathedrals to neighborhood mosques and synagogues, the series highlights how these spaces serve not only as places of prayer, but as cultural and social anchors. Through on-the-ground reporting, Hall captures both the visual grandeur of these buildings and the deeply personal stories of the people who gather inside them.

Each stop on the journey offers a window into America’s religious diversity. Congregations from different faith traditions open their doors, sharing rituals, traditions, and the ways their beliefs guide everyday life. The series emphasizes how these communities — though varied in practice — often share common values of service, resilience, and connection.

Beyond their spiritual significance, the featured sites are rich in history. Many trace their roots back generations, reflecting waves of immigration, regional identity, and pivotal moments in American history. Hall weaves these narratives together, showing how faith institutions have evolved alongside the communities they serve.

The reporting also underscores the practical impact of these organizations. From food drives and disaster relief to education and outreach programs, houses of worship are portrayed as essential support systems, particularly in times of need.

LA Radio: Market Vet Christine Martindale Signs-Off

Christine Martindale

Go Country 105 (KKGO, 105.1 FM) announced Friday that afternoon drive host Christine Martindale has retired after 13 years at the station; her final day was March 27. Martindale previously spent 12 years at KOST (103.5 FM) and said in a Facebook post that she is stepping into “a new chapter filled with family, adventure and a whole lot of gratitude.”

Adam Bookbinder will take over the afternoon drive slot (2–7 p.m.) from his midday shift, and Lisa Osborn will move into Bookbinder’s former midday role (10 a.m.–2 p.m.). Osborn’s background includes satellite news and entertainment reporting, voice-over work and producing the true-crime podcast “Behind The Crime Scene.”

Martindale was a longtime local emcee, notably for the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, and was named Los Angeles County Volunteer of the Year by the Department of Beaches and Harbors in 2009.

Station owner Saul Levine said KKGO will shift to more classic country from the 1990s and 2000s with added emphasis on female artists, while maintaining a focus on current music. The station also confirmed the internal staff reshuffle accompanying Martindale’s retirement.

R.I.P.: Larry Price, Iconic Hawaiian Radio Broadcaster

Larry Price (1935-2026)

Larry Price, the beloved Hawaii broadcaster, coach and athlete, died at 91, his family announced Friday, saying he “passed peacefully” and requesting privacy.

Price was a dominant voice on Hawaii radio for decades, retiring from KSSK’s “The Perry & Price Show” in May 2016 at age 81 after 33 years on air. He and co-host Michael W. Perry were the region’s top morning choice for much of the show’s run. His family thanked supporters for their prayers and sympathies.

Before broadcasting, Price had a notable coaching and athletic career at the University of Hawaii: head volleyball coach (1969–1972), head football coach (1974–1976), and a three-time team captain as a UH football player (1962–1964). A Roosevelt High alumnus, he was inducted into the UH Sports Circle of Honor in 1994. He also worked as a KITV TV reporter and was a longtime columnist for MidWeek.

Gov. Josh Green praised Price as “a one-of-a-kind, local boy success” who enriched many lives, offering condolences to his family.