St. Louis Radio: How Audacy Stations Add To Hoffman Plans

Hoffmann Media Group, a subsidiary of the family-owned Hoffmann Family of Companies (HF Companies), has entered U.S. broadcast radio by agreeing to acquire Audacy’s entire six-station cluster in St. Louis — including the iconic News/Talk station KMOX — as the first step in a broader multi-platform media expansion strategy.

The deal, Monday, and subject to FCC approval, gives the company a full-market presence with strong local news/talk, music, and sports programming. It aligns with founder and chairman David Hoffmann’s vision of building one of the nation’s largest media organizations by combining print, digital, and broadcast assets for trusted local journalism and community connection.

Key Details of the St. Louis Acquisition

• The portfolio includes:KMOX (1120 AM / 104.1 FM) — the longtime “Trusted Voice of St. Louis” and flagship for St. Louis Cardinals baseball.
• KFTK-FM (97.1) — News/Talk.
• Music outlets: KYKY (Y98, Hot AC), KEZK (102.5, Adult Contemporary), WFUN (96.3 R&B), and WHHL (Hot 98.7, Hip-Hop/R&B).

Watchd Urging FCC To Deny Disney TV Licenses

Media Research Center President David Bozell has petitioned the Federal Communications Commission to deny the early renewal of broadcast licenses for ABC's eight owned television stations, citing partisan bias, electioneering, misinformation, and failure to serve the public interest.

The petition, filed Monday, targets ABC Owned Stations properties in major markets including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. It argues that the Disney-owned network abuses its access to public airwaves by operating like a "partisan cable network" rather than fulfilling broadcaster obligations.

David Bozell

Bozell stated: “We finally have an FCC willing to hold Disney and ABC accountable. Broadcast licenses are a privilege, not an entitlement. In exchange for free use of the public airwaves, broadcasters agree to serve the public interest. If ABC wants to operate like a partisan cable network, it should give up the benefits reserved for broadcast licensees.”

The filing accuses ABC of favoring Democrats, insufficient coverage of key issues, excusing political violence, and spreading misinformation, particularly in news and entertainment programming. Bozell, speaking on behalf of petitioners, emphasized that ABC has First Amendment rights but no automatic right to public spectrum.

Mobile: iHM Launches Top 40 Branding As 99.5 KISS-FM

iHeartMedia has launched a new Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR) station in Mobile, Alabama, branded as “99.5 Kiss FM.”

The format change took effect at 9 a.m. Monday, replacing the “Sports Talk 99.5” programming that had aired on the Mobile-licensed FM translator W258AY at 99.5 FM, which originates from WRKH-HD2. 

The move gives iHeartMedia a dedicated CHR outlet in the market, complementing its existing country, classic rock, adult contemporary, hip-hop/R&B, rock, and news/talk stations.

Regional President Ronnie Bloodworth said the launch aims to broaden the company’s audience by targeting younger listeners with current hit music.

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez’s Term Expires Today

Anna Gomez, the FCC’s lone Democrat, saw her term expire today—two days after the Supreme Court ruled the president can remove commissioners without cause. She plans to remain in holdover status and is making no concessions.

In response to the 6-3 decision in Trump v. Slaughter, Gomez criticized the ruling’s asymmetry: the Court shielded the Federal Reserve from interference while exposing media regulators.“

Anna Gomez

Democracy depends on a free press... as much as it depends on a stable economy,” she said. She warned that political control is already leading to investigations targeting unfavorable broadcasters, resulting in regulatory timidity that harms consumers with higher costs and fewer choices.

Gomez will stay on under the Communications Act until a successor is seated or she is renominated—considered unlikely given her criticism of President Trump and Chairman Brendan Carr. The process could take months, leaving the agency with a fragile quorum.

She vowed to continue “protecting consumers, promoting competitive innovation, and defending free expression” as long as she serves.

SCOTUS Judge Calls Out FCC Chair Brendan Carr

Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch Highlights FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s Targeting of Jimmy Kimmel

In an opinion released this week on presidential power over independent agencies, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch cited FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s efforts to target ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel as an example of potential political interference.

The reference came in Monday’s 6-3 decision allowing President Trump to fire Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter, significantly expanding the president’s authority to remove officials from independent agencies.

“Last year, taking objection to a network host’s on-air remarks, the Chairman of the FCC suggested there would be ‘additional work … ahead’ for the agency if broadcasting companies did not ‘find ways to … take action,’” Gorsuch wrote.

Gorsuch was pointing to Carr’s public criticism of Kimmel and other late-night hosts who frequently mock Trump and his allies. Carr has argued the FCC must ensure broadcasters using public airwaves serve the “public interest.”

Carr has focused intense scrutiny on ABC, calling for early license renewals for Disney-owned local stations and launching a separate investigation into Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. 

The agency is also seeking public comment on whether ABC’s “The View” qualifies as a bona fide news program.

Kimmel was briefly suspended by ABC last year after controversial remarks about the death of activist Charlie Kirk, which sparked free speech concerns before he was reinstated.

R.I.P.: Victor Willis, Frontman For the Village People

Victor Willis ('51-'26)

Victor Willis, the founding lead singer and co-writer of the Village People behind disco anthems “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man,” died Monday at age 74.

The group announced his death in a brief Facebook statement Tuesday, saying Willis “passed on Monday June 30, 2026 of a short but aggressive illness.” 

His wife, Karen Huff-Willis, also confirmed the news. A spokesperson for the group did not immediately respond to requests for further comment. Willis was one day shy of his 75th birthday.

Iconic Career and LegacyWillis, born July 1, 1951, was the unmistakable voice and a key creative force of the Village People, the disco group that exploded into global fame in the late 1970s. As the original “policeman” in the band’s signature lineup of sexualized male stereotypes, he co-wrote and sang lead on mega-hits including “Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man,” and “In the Navy.”

The group’s campy, high-energy performances and costumes turned them into cultural phenomena, filling dance floors worldwide. Willis, a trained actor and dancer who had appeared in the original Broadway production of The Wiz, brought charismatic stage presence and songwriting talent that helped define the disco era. He was also the only straight original member of the group.

In later years, Willis successfully reclaimed copyrights and publishing rights to his work through landmark legal battles. He overcame personal struggles with substance abuse, completed treatment, and continued touring and performing into recent years.

It's Wednesday, July 1 And Here's Your Morning Pulse Briefing

Radio Broadcasting

Hoffmann Strategy: Hoffmann Media Group, a subsidiary of the family-owned Hoffmann Family of Companies (HF Companies), has entered U.S. broadcast radio by agreeing to acquire Audacy’s entire six-station cluster in St. Louis — including the iconic News/Talk station KMOX — as the first step in a broader multi-platform media expansion strategy.

Top 40 In Mobile: iHeartMedia has launched a new Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR) station in Mobile, Alabama, branded as “99.5 Kiss FM.”

NPR Retraction: NPR has retracted a story that incorrectly reported Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was retiring. The public broadcaster removed the article from its website within minutes of publication on Tuesday — the final day of the Supreme Court’s term — and issued an on-air correction. 

NPR Retracts Bogus SCOTUS Resignation Story

NPR has retracted a story that incorrectly reported Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was retiring.

The public broadcaster removed the article from its website within minutes of publication on Tuesday — the final day of the Supreme Court’s term — and issued an on-air correction. 

Neither Justice Alito nor the Supreme Court’s Public Information Office has announced any retirement.

A spokesman for NPR called the report “inaccurate,” attributing it to a misunderstanding by veteran Supreme Court correspondent Nina Totenberg. NPR Editor-in-Chief Tommy Evans stated that previously prepared copy was erroneously published after Totenberg misheard remarks related to retirements.

SCOTUS Ruling May Increase Flow of Political Ads

The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down federal limits on coordinated spending between political parties and candidates, a ruling expected to reshape campaign advertising ahead of the 2026 midterms.

In a 6-3 decision issued Tuesday that split along ideological lines, the Court ruled that restrictions on how much money political parties can spend in coordination with candidates are unconstitutional.

The decision is likely to shift more political ad dollars toward party committees, while giving those committees broader access to broadcasters’ lowest unit rates for radio and television spots. This could increase hybrid ad buys coordinated between parties and candidates.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, writing for the majority, said the ruling “treats all political parties equally” and will allow parties and their campaign committees to “participate more freely and compete more fully in the political process.”

CMG Makes Danny Bortnick VP/Local Revenue

Cox Media Group has named radio sales veteran Danny Bortnick as Vice President of Local Revenue and Client Growth, a new position aimed at strengthening client relationships and boosting local revenue across its radio division.

Bortnick joins CMG on July 13 and will collaborate with market leaders and sales managers to develop local revenue strategies, enhance client engagement, improve execution, advance sales enablement initiatives, and support the company’s client-focused sales organization.

Heavy Debt Forces DISH Wireless to File Bankruptcy

DISH DBS Corporation, EchoStar’s satellite pay-TV unit, and several subsidiaries including DISH Wireless have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division.

The company, which operates the DISH Network and Sling TV services, is pursuing a prepackaged restructuring plan backed by more than 88% of its creditors. It expects to emerge from bankruptcy by the end of the third quarter of 2026.

The filing, announced Tuesday, aims to facilitate early repayment of DISH DBS debt, resolve litigation with creditors, and complete the wind-down of the DISH Wireless business following delays in a major spectrum sale to AT&T. Operations, customers, brands, and employees of EchoStar’s businesses — including Boost Mobile and Gen Mobile — are expected to continue unaffected. The Chapter 11 cases do not include parent EchoStar Corporation or certain other units.

Report: NBCUniversal To Explore Gaming Opportunities

NBCUniversal is exploring opportunities in digital gaming and new entertainment franchises to drive growth following its planned spinoff from Comcast, according to people familiar with the matter.

Comcast’s cable and connectivity business, meanwhile, is positioned for major technological investments to capitalize on the boom in data centers and artificial intelligence.

New Black Public Radio Network Launches

The Black Public Radio Network (BPRN) has officially launched, giving Black public radio stations a unified national voice for the first time.

Four years in the making, the network debuted with 15 founding stations led by Ernest Walker, General Manager of Texas Southern University’s KTSU in Houston.Plans call for developing national underwriting and sponsorship opportunities, with VuHaus Group handling national sponsorship sales. 

Paragon has signed a six-month agreement to provide research and strategic guidance as BPRN’s consulting partner.

The 15 founding stations, spanning 13 states, are: KTSU (Houston), KUVO “The Drop” (Denver), WBGO (Newark, N.J.), KPVU (Prairie View, Texas), WCLK (Atlanta), WNCU (Durham, N.C.), WEAA (Baltimore), HYFIN (Milwaukee), WNSB (Norfolk, Va.), WJAB (Huntsville, Ala.), KJLU (Jefferson City, Mo.), WRVS (Elizabeth City, N.C.), WSSB (Orangeburg, S.C.), WURC (Holly Springs, Miss.), and WESM (Salisbury, Md.).

Radio History: July 1

➦In 1897…Three years after the first issue of Billboard Advertising was published, the publication was renamed The Billboard.

➦In 1901...The “mother of the soap opera” Irna Phillips was born in Chicago.  She created at least 10 longrunning daytime dramas, including Painted Dreams, Guiding Light, the Road of Life, The Brighter Day, Woman in White, The Road to Happiness & Young Dr Malone on radio, and Another World, As the World Turns, and Days of Our Lives for TV.  Phillips also consulted on TV’s Peyton Place.   The ‘Queen of the Soaps’ died Dec 22 1973 of undisclosed causes at age 72.

Bill Stern

➦In 1907...Early sportscaster Bill Stern born (Died from a heart attack at age 64 – November 19, 1971). In 1984, Stern was part of the American Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame's inaugural class which included sportscasting legends Red Barber, Don Dunphy, Ted Husing and Graham McNamee. He was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame (1988) and has a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Born in Rochester, New York, Stern began doing radio play-by-play commentary in 1925, when he was hired by a local station, WHAM, to cover football games.  NBC hired him in 1937 to host The Colgate Sports Newsreel as well as Friday night boxing on radio. Stern was also one of the first televised boxing commentators.

He broadcast the first televised sporting event, the second game of a baseball doubleheader between Princeton and Columbia at Columbia's Baker Field on May 17, 1939. On September 30, he called the first televised football game.

During his most successful years, Stern engaged in a fierce rivalry with Ted Husing of the CBS Radio Network. They competed not only for broadcast position during sports and news events, but also for the rights to cover the events themselves. They both served for many years as their networks' sports directors as well as being on-air stars.

According to the book Sports on New York Radio by sportscaster and Westwood One executive David J. Halberstam, Stern's remarkable career flourished despite a physical handicap. In 1935, on his way home from a football game in Texas, the car Stern was in got into an accident, injuring him severely enough that his left leg had to be amputated just above the knee.

Some observers consider Stern's style a blueprint in the 1940s for the style of Paul Harvey, ABC Entertainment Network social commentator, who adapted both Stern's newscasting (transforming his Reel One to Page One) and his stories about the famous and odd (to Rest Of The Story), although Stern made no effort to authenticate his stories.

 

➦In 1923...The AT&T webs set-up the first permanent radio network between WEAF New York and WMAF near Boston.