Good Day: Here's Your Pulse For Thursday, May 7

Radio Broadcasting

Audio TSL: Americans ages 13 and older continue to spend about four hours per day with audio, with younger listeners leading the way. As of the first quarter of 2026, U.S. listeners aged 13–34 devote the most time to audio at 4 hours and 30 minutes daily. Those aged 35–54 follow closely at 4 hours and 3 minutes, while Americans 55 and older spend 3 hours and 17 minutes per day. 

Grant's Gone: Grant Napear’s weekday afternoon show on Fox Sports Radio Sacramento has been canceled after eight months. The former Sacramento Kings broadcaster announced the cancellation Monday on social media.  The program, which aired from 3 to 6 p.m. on iHeartMedia’s Fox Sports Sacramento, launched in September 2025. It marked Napear’s first return to Sacramento radio since he lost both his TV and radio jobs in June 2020.

97.1 The Fan: the first-ever FM all-sports station in Los Angeles and an Audacy station, announces its debut weekday programming, beginning May 18.

Media Industry

FNC Defeats Playoffs: FOX News Channel (FNC) concluded the week of April 27th with over 3 million weekday primetime viewers and 286,000 in the 25-54 demo, beating ESPN (2.7 million viewers) during the NBA and NHL playoffs for the second consecutive week, according to Nielsen Media Research Big Data + Panel. 

WNT Mo 1: For the third week in a row, “World News Tonight with David Muir” stood as the No. 1 program in Total Viewers (8.300 million) on all of broadcast and cable (excluding sports) during the week of April 27.

Ted's Legacy: Media mogul Ted Turner, whose bold vision transformed television from limited broadcast schedules into a 24-hour, multi-channel universe, died Wednesday, at his home in Lamont, Florida. He was 87. Turner’s innovations fundamentally reshaped how the world consumes news, entertainment, and sports, laying the groundwork for today’s fragmented streaming era while proving cable could compete with — and eventually dominate — traditional broadcasting.

U-S News

The End? President Donald Trump predicted a swift end to the ​war with Iran as Tehran considered a U.S. peace proposal that sources said would formally end the conflict while leaving unresolved key U.S. demands that Iran suspend ‌its nuclear program and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. An Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson cited by Iran's ISNA news agency said Tehran would convey its response, while Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei, a spokesperson for parliament's powerful foreign policy and national security committee, described the proposal as "more of an American wish-list than a reality."

Rubio Meets Pope: Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Pope Leo at the Vatican on Thursday, ‌in a potentially fraught encounter as President Donald Trump has continued a series of disparaging attacks on the Catholic leader over the Iran war. Rubio, who also serves as Trump's national security adviser, was due to arrive at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace around 11:15 a.m. for the ​visit, the first between the pope and a Trump cabinet official in nearly a year.

Savannah Abruptly Exits: Savannah Guthrie made a sudden exit during Wednesday’s “Today” show. After 90 minutes into the broadcast, Savannah’s co-host, Craig Melvin, announced that she was done for the day. “Savannah had to leave a little early,” he told viewers, adding, “She’ll be right back tomorrow, though.” No other explanation was given, and Savannah has yet to address the moment on her social media accounts.

L-A Radio: 97.1 The Fan Unveils Debut Weekday Lineup

Top: Derek Fisher, Cody Decker, Alex Curry

Row 2: Brock Vereen, Doug McKain and Bill Reiter

97.1 The Fan, the first-ever FM all-sports station in Los Angeles and an Audacy station, announces its debut weekday programming, beginning May 18 at 6:00 a.m. PT.

➤6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. PT: "Derek & Decker” with Derek Fisher and Cody Decker 
Start your day with “Derek & Decker,” 97.1 The Fan’s high-octane morning show. Five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher and former MLB player Cody Decker bring big personality and big-league insight, mixing dynamic energy with championship perspective.

➤10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. PT: "Brock & Alex” with Brock Vereen and Alex Curry
“Brock & Alex” is where sports meet Hollywood. NFL veteran Brock Vereen and host Alex Curry bring energy, access, and perspective to the biggest stories in sports. This is LA sports through the lens of its stars.

➤2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. PT: "D-Mac & Reiter” with Doug McKain and Bill Reiter
“D-Mac & Reiter” own drive time on 97.1 The Fan. Doug McKain and Bill Reiter bring insight, opinions, and fan interaction to the biggest stories of the day. If it matters tonight, they’re breaking it down before the game starts.

“Los Angeles is a sports powerhouse with a deep connection between teams, fans, and culture, and this new lineup brings together championship-level personalities, veteran player perspective, and sharp analytical expertise,” said Andrew Williams, Brand Manager, 97.1 The Fan. “We’re building a full-scale, live and local LA sports network that brings sports to the FM dial and across multiple platforms to meet our audiences where they are. We’re excited to give fans an unparalleled listening and viewing experience that’s as entertaining and authentic as it is insightful.”

TV Ratings: Fox News Outguns ESPN Playoffs In Primetime

FOX News Channel (FNC) concluded the week of April 27th with over 3 million weekday primetime viewers and 286,000 in the 25-54 demo, beating ESPN (2.7 million viewers) during the NBA and NHL playoffs for the second consecutive week, according to Nielsen Media Research Big Data + Panel. 

In Monday – Sunday primetime, FNC saw nearly 2.6 million viewers and in Monday – Sunday total day, FNC drew over 1.6 million viewers. Notably, CBS Evening News (3.8 million viewers, 539,000 in the 25-54 demo) continued its downward trajectory, posting its fourth consecutive week under 4 million viewers and falling below 600,000 in the 25-54 demo.

The Five maintained its dominance in the afternoon with 3.8 million viewers and 336,000 in the 25-54 demo. At 6 PM/ET, Special Report with Bret Baier garnered nearly 2.8 million viewers and 250,000 in the 25-54 demo. During the 7 PM/ET hour, The Ingraham Angle secured over 2.6 million viewers and 215,000 in the 25-54 demo. In the 8 PM/ET hour, Jesse Watters Primetime delivered 3.3 million viewers and 268,000 in the 25-54 demo. At 9 PM/ET, Hannity notched nearly 2.9 million viewers and 261,000 in the 25-54 demo. During the 11PM/ET hour, FOX News @ Night with Trace Gallagher nabbed over 1.5 million viewers and 187,000 in the 25-54 demo.

FNC’s late-night success Gutfeld! (weekdays, 10 PM/ET) averaged 3 million primetime viewers and 328,000 in the 25-54 demo, continuing to dominate the cable and broadcast competition across the board, including ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2.4 million viewers and 310,000 in the 25-54 demo), NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (1.1 million viewers and 245,000 in the 25-54 demo), and NBC’s The Late Show with Seth Meyers (752,000 viewers and 163,000 in the 25-54 demo).

Graphics Courtesy of RoadMN

FNC continued to see its daytime shows outpace the broadcast competition. America’s Newsroom (weekdays, 9AM-11AM/ET; 2 million viewers), The Faulkner Focus (weekdays, 11AM-12PM/ET; 2 million viewers), Outnumbered (weekdays, 12 PM/ET; 2 million viewers), America Reports (weekdays, 1PM-3PM/ET; 2 million viewers), The Story with Martha MacCallum (weekdays, 3-4PM/ET; 2.2 million viewers) and The Will Cain Show (weekdays, 4-5PM/ET; 2.3 million viewers) all outranked CBS Mornings (1.8 million viewers), NBC’s Today Jenna & Sheinelle (1.5 million viewers) and ABC’s GMA3 (1.3 million viewers).

TV Ratings: ABC's WNT Remains In Usual No.1 Spot

For the third week in a row, “World News Tonight with David Muir” stood as the No. 1 program in Total Viewers (8.300 million) on all of broadcast and cable (excluding sports) during the week of April 27, 2026, based on Live+Same Day Big Data Plus Panel Program Ratings from Nielsen Media Research.

Graphic courtesy of RoadMN

• “World News Tonight” ranked as the No. 1 newscast across broadcast and cable in Total Viewers (8.300 million), Adults 25-54 (1.004 million) and Adults 18-49 (754,000).
• “World News Tonight” outperformed “NBC Nightly News” (6.231 million, 928,000 and 690,000, respectively) in Total Viewers (+33%/+2.069 million), Adults 25-54 (+8%/+76,000) and Adults 18-49 (+9%/+64,000).
• For the tenth straight week, “World News Tonight” built on its Total Viewer lead over “NBC Nightly News” on the same week last year (+44% – 2.069 million vs. 1.436 million) by double digits.
• For the ninth week running, “World News Tonight” saw gains on the year-ago week in all key target demos: Total Viewers (+13%/+973,000 – 8.300 million vs. 7.327 million), Adults 25-54 (+5%/+52,000 –1.004 million vs. 952,000) and Adults 18-49(+10%/+67,000 – 754,000 vs. 687,000).
• “World News Tonight” (8.300 million, 1.004 million and 754,000, respectively) outperformed “CBS Evening News” (3.862 million, 541,000 and 379,000, respectively) in Total Viewers (+115%/+4.438 million), Adults 25-54 (+86%/+463,000) and Adults 18-49 (+99%/+375,000).
• “World News Tonight” widened its lead over “CBS Evening News” versus the year-ago week in Total Viewers (+20% – 4.438 million vs. 3.691 million).

TV Ratings: GMA Delivers Largest Audience In 6 Weeks

“Good Morning America” averaged 2.961 million Total Viewers, 475,000 Adults 25-54 and 345,0000 Adults 18-49 for the week of April 27, 2026, based on Live+Same Day Big Data Plus Panel Program Ratings from Nielsen Media Research.

Graphic Courtesy of RoadMN

• “GMA” grew over the previous week in Total Viewers (+1% – 2.961 million vs. 2.924 million) to draw its largest overall audience in 6 weeks — since w/o 3/16/26.
• For the third week in a row, “GMA” improved on the year-ago week in Total Viewers (+5% – 2.961 million vs. 2.810 million), Adults 25-54 (+4% – 475,000 vs. 458,000) and Adults 18-49 (+18% – 345,000 vs. 292,000). “GMA” stood as the only morning newscast to grow year to year across the board.
• On Friday (5/1/26), “GMA” ranked No. 1, beating NBC’s “Today” in Total Viewers (+143,000 – 3.032 million vs. 2.889 million).
• “GMA” narrowed its Adults 25-54 gap with NBC’s “Today” week to week (-7% – 122,000 vs. 131,000) to its closest in 9 weeks — since w/o 2/23/26.
• “GMA” decreased its margins by double digits with NBC’s “Today” compared to the same week last year in Adults 25-54 (-15% – 122,000 vs. 143,000) and Adults 18-49 (-34% – 56,000 vs. 85,000).
• “GMA” (2.961 million, 475,000 and 345,000, respectively) defeated “CBS Mornings” (1.815 million, 298,000 and 202,000, respectively) in Total Viewers (+1.146 million), Adults 25-54 (+177,000) and Adults 18-49 (+143,000). In addition, “GMA” led “CBS Mornings” in Total Viewers and Adults 25-54 for the last 1,424 weeks overall — since w/o 1/18/99.

Edison: 13-34s Lead Daily Audio TSL

Americans ages 13 and older continue to spend about four hours per day with audio, with younger listeners leading the way.

As of the first quarter of 2026, U.S. listeners aged 13–34 devote the most time to audio at 4 hours and 30 minutes daily. Those aged 35–54 follow closely at 4 hours and 3 minutes, while Americans 55 and older spend 3 hours and 17 minutes per day. 

These figures come from Edison Research’s Share of Ear®, the industry’s only comprehensive audio measurement service that tracks all platforms and sources.

The data reveal remarkably stable overall audio consumption. Since Share of Ear launched in 2014, total daily audio time among people 13+ has hovered consistently around the four-hour mark, demonstrating audio’s enduring role in daily life even as platforms and technologies have evolved dramatically.

Age-Based Differences Stand Out

• 13–34 year-olds lead in total audio time, reflecting heavy use of on-demand streaming, podcasts, and short-form video audio.
• 35–54 year-olds remain strong audio consumers, blending traditional radio with newer digital options.
• 55+ listeners spend the least time overall but still dedicate more than three hours daily, often anchored by AM/FM radio and familiar music sources.

The breakdown underscores that audio remains a cross-generational medium, though listening habits and preferred formats shift noticeably by age.

Streamers Have Huge Churn Problem

A new survey reveals that 59% of Gen Z users in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia actively add and drop streaming services just to watch one movie or series, highlighting extreme subscription churn among younger consumers. 

Additionally, 71% of this cohort has completely stopped buying physical music formats, reports Variety.

This behavior underscores a broader trend: Gen Z is unsubscribing.  Rather than maintaining long-term loyalty to platforms like Netflix, Disney+, or Spotify, many treat streaming as an on-demand utility—paying temporarily for specific content before canceling to avoid ongoing fees.

Despite their digital-first, cost-conscious approach to home entertainment, Gen Z remains committed to the big screen. Younger viewers are 13% more likely than older generations to attend movies during their opening weekend, suggesting that shared, event-like experiences hold strong appeal even as at-home consumption becomes highly transactional.

What’s Driving Gen Z’s Media Habits?

Financial pragmatism: With economic pressures and competing entertainment options, many prioritize flexibility over commitment. “Subscribe for the show, cancel after” has become a common strategy.
Content abundance and fragmentation: The explosion of streaming options means no single service has everything, encouraging frequent switching.

Shift away from ownership: The 71% drop in physical music purchases reflects a full embrace of access-over-ownership, mirroring their streaming behavior.

Social and experiential value: While they churn subscriptions ruthlessly, the data shows they are willing to pay a premium for communal experiences like opening-night movie releases, which offer FOMO (fear of missing out), social media moments, and escapism.

This combination of high streaming churn and theatrical enthusiasm presents a mixed picture for media companies. Streaming services face pressure to retain subscribers through exclusive, high-quality content or bundling strategies, while theaters may find Gen Z a reliable audience for blockbuster releases and event cinema. 

The generation that grew up with infinite choice is forcing the entire entertainment industry to adapt to more fluid, experience-driven consumption patterns.

As Gen Z enters prime earning and spending years, how providers respond to their “subscribe-and-drop” mindset could shape the future of both streaming economics and the theatrical business.

WBD Streaming Leads Revenue Growth

Warner Bros. Discovery reported stronger-than-expected revenue growth from its streaming business on Wednesday, driven by robust international expansion of HBO Max that boosted both subscriber numbers and user engagement.

The positive streaming results came as the company posted a significantly wider first-quarter net loss of $2.92 billion. The loss included a $2.8 billion termination fee paid to Netflix. Although Paramount Skydance actually paid the fee as part of their $110 billion merger agreement, Warner Bros. 

Discovery recorded it as an obligation under the terms of the deal.

The streaming division’s outperformance highlights HBO Max’s successful push into overseas markets. International growth helped drive higher subscriber additions and increased viewing time across the platform, providing a bright spot amid broader financial pressures. 

This revenue beat suggests that Warner Bros. Discovery’s direct-to-consumer strategy continues to gain traction even as the company navigates a challenging media landscape.

The $2.92 billion net loss reflects the substantial $2.8 billion Netflix termination payment, which significantly inflated quarterly expenses. This fee stems from a prior agreement that was terminated in connection with the Paramount Skydance merger. While Paramount Skydance handled the actual payment, Warner Bros. Discovery’s accounting treatment of the obligation contributed directly to the deepened loss for the period.

Sports Rights Inquiry Unlikely to Produce New Rules

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has signaled the agency’s ongoing inquiry into skyrocketing sports programming costs is unlikely to result in new regulations, even as major broadcasters urged the FCC to protect free over-the-air sports broadcasts.

Carr, who launched the inquiry earlier this year to examine how rising rights fees are affecting consumers and the television marketplace, emphasized that the process is focused on gathering information rather than paving the way for mandates. 

“This inquiry might not lead to new rules,” he stated, underscoring a light-touch approach consistent with the current FCC’s deregulatory stance.

Brendan Carr

Bloomberg reports the comments came as broadcast giants Fox Corporation and Sinclair Broadcast Group formally submitted filings supporting the continued availability of live sports on traditional broadcast television. Both companies argued that sports programming remains a vital anchor for local stations and free-to-air viewing, helping to sustain the broadcast model amid cord-cutting and the shift toward streaming.

Sports rights fees have soared in recent years, with leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and college conferences commanding billions in annual payments. These escalating costs have contributed to higher cable and satellite bills, prompted some regional sports networks to fold, and raised concerns about whether premium sports content will remain accessible to viewers who rely on antenna television.

Broadcasters and consumer advocates have clashed over potential solutions. While some argue for regulatory intervention to curb exclusivity deals or promote wider distribution, others — including Fox and Sinclair — contend that market forces and existing carriage rules are sufficient, and that heavy-handed FCC action could harm local stations and viewers.

Sactown Radio: Grant Napear Exits iHM Fox Sports

Grant Napear’s weekday afternoon show on Fox Sports Radio Sacramento has been canceled after eight months. The former Sacramento Kings broadcaster announced the cancellation Monday on social media. 

The program, which aired from 3 to 6 p.m. on iHeartMedia’s Fox Sports Sacramento, launched in September 2025. It marked Napear’s first return to Sacramento radio since he lost both his TV and radio jobs in June 2020.

Napear had served as the television voice of the Kings since 1988 and dominated Sacramento’s afternoon drive on KHTK until a Twitter exchange with former Kings player DeMarcus Cousins ended his tenure. 

Ted Danson Adjusts Following Health Scare

Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen

Ted Danson is making significant lifestyle adjustments following a recent health scare that reminded the 78-year-old “Cheers” star of his own mortality.

The actor shared details of the unspecified medical issue during the May 6 episode of his podcast “Where Everybody Knows Your Name,” which featured guest Valerie Bertinelli.

“I had a bit of a health scare; I’m totally fine,” Danson told Bertinelli. He added that the experience drove home that “mortality, it’s the real deal; it’s not just a rumor.”

Danson joked that “Ted Danson doesn’t get a free pass,” noting there wasn’t any single factor he could blame for the issue. He described the scare as “humbling and calming” and said it “was the best thing that could have happened.”

As a result, the longtime actor is now “doing some things differently,” including meditating twice a day alongside his wife, Mary Steenburgen. “I’ve always talked about it and lied about it,” he admitted with a laugh.

USA Today reports Danson called the experience the “biggest gift,” saying it clarified the mindset he wants to carry for the rest of his life.

“You can be curious about other people. You can listen, and you could be supportive, caring, you can witness them,” he explained. “That’s the best thing I can offer.”

The candid conversation highlights Danson’s reflective approach as he continues his long and celebrated career in entertainment.

Legacy: Ted Turner, CNN Founder and Cable Television Pioneer

Ted Turner (1938-2026)

Media mogul Ted Turner, whose bold vision transformed television from limited broadcast schedules into a 24-hour, multi-channel universe, died Wednesday, at his home in Lamont, Florida. He was 87.

Turner’s innovations fundamentally reshaped how the world consumes news, entertainment, and sports, laying the groundwork for today’s fragmented streaming era while proving cable could compete with — and eventually dominate — traditional broadcasting.

Revolutionary Contributions to Media

• Founded CNN (1980): Turner launched the Cable News Network as the first 24-hour news channel in the United States. It revolutionized journalism by delivering continuous, real-time coverage, forever changing the news cycle and global information flow.
• Pioneered the “Superstation” Model: He turned his Atlanta independent station WTBS into TBS, the first “superstation,” using satellite technology to distribute it nationwide. This breakthrough expanded local signals into national audiences and helped fuel the cable television boom.
• Built a Portfolio of Niche Networks: Turner created or acquired influential specialty channels including:

TNT (Turner Network Television)

Cartoon Network

Turner Classic Movies (TCM)

And others that targeted specific audiences with movies, animation, and curated programming.

These moves expanded viewer choice and demonstrated the power of targeted, thematic cable channels.

Radio History: May 7

➦In 1895..Russian scientist Alexander Stepanovich Popov presented his invention—the world’s first radio receiver—to the Russian Physical and Chemical Society in St. Petersburg. This demonstration involved detecting electromagnetic waves, a foundational step in radio communication. The event is celebrated in Russia as “Radio Day,” marking a pivotal moment in the technology’s development.

Significance: Popov’s work predated Guglielmo Marconi’s practical radio systems and contributed to the theoretical groundwork for wireless communication. His receiver, which detected lightning-induced signals, laid the foundation for later broadcasting innovations. While Marconi is often credited with radio’s practical application, Popov’s May 7 demonstration is a landmark in the scientific history of radio.

➦In 1941..."Chattanooga Choo Choo" was recorded by the Glenn Miller Band. The song by Mack Gordon and composed by Harry Warren was featured in the 1941 movie Sun Valley Serenade. It was the first song to receive a gold record, presented by RCA Victor in 1942, for sales of 1.2 million copies.

➦In 1945...On radio Americans learned that the war in Europe was over...

NY Times 5/7/45

There were two sources of news during the World War II era - newspapers and radio.  Radio was faster, just as the internet and social media are (generally) faster with the news today.

NY Times 5/8/45

On May 7, an Associated Press reporter broke an embargo and sent first word of the German surrender to his wire service, ostensibly to be passed on to newspapers (the news was supposed to be embargoed to allow the leaders of the three Allied nations - the U.S., Britain and the Soviet Union - to jointly announce the surrender on May 8.  But radio stations and networks also subscribed to the AP wire, and as soon as the news was reported, it was on the radio - hours before it could be printed in a paper.  Thus began a long period, though short by today's cable news endless coverage standards, of reporting about the end of the first half of the war.

➦In 1946...Sony, originally known as Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering was founded with around 20 employees.

➦In 1955...Decca Records released, for the second time, “Rock Around The Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets. It was first issued in May 1954 as a B-side to "Thirteen Women (and Only One Man in Town)."  While the song did make the American Cashbox music charts (contrary to popular opinion that it was a flop), it was considered a commercial disappointment. It was not until 1955, when "Rock Around the Clock" was used under the opening credits of the film Blackboard Jungle, that the song truly took off.

Media Mogul Barry Diller Wants to Buy CNN

Media mogul Barry Diller declared he would buy CNN immediately if it were available, warning that a pending Warner Bros. Discovery-Paramount merger would trigger aggressive cost-cutting, while revealing he had seriously explored acquiring Vox Media.

Speaking Tuesday at the Wall Street Journal's Future of Everything Festival in New York, the IAC chairman and longtime media executive expressed strong interest in the cable news network. 

“Absolutely, I would do it tonight and tomorrow night,” Diller told WSJ reporter Cara Lombardo. “Before they ruin it any further. Hopefully before it’s extinct, which, I mean, it’s not gonna be.”

Barry Diller

Diller, who previously approached Warner Bros. Discovery about buying CNN, argued the network is “so ripe” for innovation that it hasn’t seen in nearly a decade. He believes a Paramount acquisition of WBD would force a “savage process” of deep cost reductions worth billions as the combined company integrates operations and seeks efficiencies. 

“So how they do that and navigate also running the surviving businesses … I don’t know,” he said.

The comments come amid ongoing consolidation in traditional media. Paramount’s roughly $111 billion deal for WBD would pair CNN with CBS and other assets, potentially reshaping the news and entertainment landscape. Diller suggested CNN could ultimately align with CBS in such a merger.