FCC Broadcast Rule Changes Take Effect June 18

Broadcasters have a key date to mark: June 18, 2026, when the FCC’s latest package of deregulatory updates becomes official.

The Media Bureau confirmed that revisions adopted by the Commission in March 2026 will go into effect on that date. The changes are part of Chairman Brendan Carr’s “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative, which aims to modernize FCC procedures, remove outdated rules, and better reflect how broadcasters operate today.

Major Updates in the OrderThe revisions apply to both radio and television stations and focus on licensing, procedural, and administrative matters:

Edison Is Tracking Audio Streaming

Another flagship Edison Media study, The Infinite Dial, provides valuable complementary insights into the evolution of AM/FM radio streaming.

While Edison’s other research efforts focus on specific platforms or behaviors, The Infinite Dial has taken a unique, long-term approach. For the past three years, the study has consistently asked Americans about their weekly radio listening habits, distinguishing between traditional over-the-air reception on a physical radio receiver and digital streaming of the same AM/FM stations via smartphones, smart speakers, connected cars, tablets, or other internet-connected devices.

As of the 2026 edition of The Infinite Dial, 30% of all weekly radio listeners report using a digital stream for at least part of their radio consumption. This means nearly one-third of the radio audience is now hybrid in its listening behavior—tuning in to the same stations through both legacy broadcast signals and modern digital channels. Conversely, 70% continue to listen exclusively via traditional AM/FM receivers.

This 30% streaming penetration represents a notable acceleration in consumer adoption. Just two years ago (2024), the comparable figure stood at only 19%. The 11-percentage-point increase over a relatively short period underscores the steady migration of traditional radio audiences toward digital delivery methods, even as they remain loyal to the same familiar stations and content.

The trend captured by The Infinite Dial highlights an important shift: radio is not being replaced by streaming, but rather supplemented and extended by it. A growing share of listeners now fluidly move between broadcast signals and digital streams depending on location, device availability, and convenience—signaling a hybrid future for the medium.

Radio Recap: More April PPMs Released

Nielsen has released the third barch of April PPMs Rating For Secverwl Markets"

MIAMI:   Market Shakeup

This ratings period brought more movement than usual in a market that tends to be fairly stable, with familiar stations dominating the leaderboard. The biggest story was Audacy AC WLYF (101.5 LITE FM), which surged from second to #1 6+ for the first time since July, jumping 6.0 to 7.1.SBS Spanish Contemporary WCMQ (Z92.3) made a major leap, climbing from #5 to #2 with its strongest book in over a year (5.5–6.1).

Cox Media AC WFEZ (EASY 93.1) slipped to #3, posting its lowest rank since June (6.3–5.8).CMG's Urban AC WHQT (HOT 105) fell from first to fourth, delivering its lowest share and rank in more than a year (6.7–5.7).

iHeartMedia Spanish Adult Hits WMIA (MAGIC 93.9) continued its upward trend, rising two spots to #5 with its third consecutive gain (4.9–5.3). TelevisaUnivision Spanish Hot AC WAMR (AMOR 107.5) eased to #6 (5.7–5.2), tying AUDACY Classic Hits WMXJ (102.7 THE BEACH), which held steady at 5.4–5.2.

WLYF remained the dominant cume leader, growing 3.1% from 800,000 to 824,600 listeners. Overall market listening was up slightly (+0.1).

In the 25-54 Demo:  WLYF posted its best 25-54 book in over a year, rocketing from #4 to #1.

• WMIA moved up to #2 with a modest gain but trailed the leader by a full share.
• WFEZ dropped to #3, hitting its lowest score in over a year. It tied COX MEDIA Rhythmic AC WFLC (HITS 97.3), which rose from #5 despite a slight dip.
• WCMQ edged up to #5 with a small increase, while WHQT slid from first place to tie for the position. A notable shift in what has been a relatively predictable market.

SEATTLE:  Sports Surges

For the fourth consecutive book, University pf Washington N/T KUOW cruised to a dominant #1 6+ finish, widening its lead with a strong jump from 8.4 to 10.6. However, the real story this period was Bonnville Sports KIRO-A (SEATTLE SPORTS 710AM), which surged from a tie for #6 all the way to #2 — its best book since October — leaping 4.7 to 6.4 as baseball season kicked off.

Three stations battled for the #3 position: iHeartMedia Classic Hits KJEB (95.7 THE JET) held at 5.6–5.3. Crista Contemporary Christian KCMS (SPIRIT 105.3) climbed one spot to 5.0–5.3.

Audacy Active Rock KISW (THE ROCK) rose from a tie for #6 to tie for #3, posting its highest share since December (4.7–5.3). Hubbard AC KRWM (WARM 106.9) tumbled from #5 to #9 with its lowest share since October (4.9–4.0). Friends of KEXP Alternative KEXP saw its four-book hot streak end abruptly, plunging from #2 to #11 (6.3–3.6).

KRWM remained the cume leader with 618,800 listeners, up 1.8% from 607,800. Overall market listening rose a healthy 4.5%.

In the 25-54 Demo:  KISW delivered a massive share gain to take #1 25-54.

• KUOW climbed to #2 with a solid increase, finishing roughly one share behind the leader.
• KEXP saw its three-book winning streak snapped, dropping to #3.
• KIRO-A jumped from #7 to #4.
• Audacy Alternative KNDD (107.7 THE END) returned to #5 with a slight uptick.
• KJEB fell from #3 to #6, tying KCMS and Hubbard Pop CHR KQMV (MOViN’ 92.5).

Nexstar Seeks Expedited Appeal to Salvage Stalled Merger

Nexstar Media Group on Wednesday urged a U.S. appeals court to fast-track its review of a lower-court ruling that has blocked the company’s proposed acquisition of rival broadcaster Tegna, warning that continued delays are inflicting tens of millions of dollars in permanent financial harm.

The request, filed late Wednesday, marks the latest escalation in a high-stakes legal battle over the $6.2 billion deal. A California judge issued a temporary block on April 17, halting the merger amid antitrust challenges brought by a dozen state attorneys general and satellite provider DirecTV.

Under the inverted pyramid structure, the most critical new development—the expedited appeal filing and its stated financial urgency—leads the story. Nexstar argues that every day the transaction remains frozen represents irreversible losses, including missed synergies, operational costs, and forgone revenue that cannot be recouped even if the deal ultimately closes.

TV Ratings: More Viewers Watched Fox News for China Coverage

FOX News Channel (FNC) concluded the week of May 11th with over 2.6 million weekday primetime viewers and 243,000 in the 25-54 demo – notably, nabbing 99 out of the Top 100 cable news telecasts among total viewers. 

FNC’s live programming from Beijing, China led cable news coverage of the Trump-Xi Summit, with America’s Newsroom (9-11 AM/ET), Special Report with Bret Baier (6-7 PM/ET), and Hannity (9-10 PM/ET) dominating their time slots. From Tuesday, May 12th to Thursday, May 14th, America’s Newsroom averaged 1.9 million viewers, more than tripling CNN (591,000 viewers) and nearly tripling MS NOW (666,000 viewers). 

From Wednesday, May 13th through Thursday, May 14th, Special Report with Bret Baier and Hannity both averaged 2.8 million viewers. Special Report with Bret Baier nearly quintupled CNN (562,000 viewers) and nearly tripled MS NOW (1,010,000 viewers) while Hannity more than quadrupled CNN (696,000 viewers) and more than doubled MS NOW (1,124,000 viewers).

For the fourth consecutive week, FNC maintained its dominance over ESPN (2.1 million viewers) during the NBA and NHL playoffs. In Monday – Sunday primetime, FNC delivered almost 2.3 million viewers and in Monday – Sunday total day, FNC notched nearly 1.5 million viewers. Notably, CBS Evening News (3.8 million viewers and 503,000 in the 25-54 demo) continued its downward trajectory, posting its sixth consecutive week below 4 million viewers and its 15th consecutive week under 600,000 in the 25-54 demo.

TV Ratings: TODAY Leads Broadcast Morning Shows

The three major U.S. broadcast morning news programs—ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA), NBC’s TODAY, and CBS Mornings—continued their longstanding ratings battle during the week of May 11, 2026, with NBC’s TODAY maintaining its lead in total viewers while ABC’s GMA narrowed the gap and delivered strong entertainment-driven programming.

GMA and TODAY dominated the morning slot, routinely drawing millions more viewers than CBS Mornings, which trailed as a distant third. Recent available data from prior weeks showed TODAY averaging around 3 million total viewers and leading in the key adults 25-54 demographic, while GMA stayed competitive (often within 70,000–150,000 viewers) and showed year-over-year growth in several periods. CBS Mornings hovered near 1.7–1.8 million viewers.

Key Programming and Highlights:  GMA leaned heavily into celebrity interviews, pop culture, and its ongoing “50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful” series (tied to the U.S. 250th anniversary). Notable segments included:

Twin Cities Radio: WCCO Radio Switches to ABC News Affiliate

WCCO Radio (830 AM) will become an ABC News affiliate for the first time in its history, effective Thursday afternoon, May 21, 2026, after nearly a century as a CBS News Radio partner.

The move comes as CBS News Radio airs its final broadcasts on Friday, May 22, ending 99 years of national service and more than 90 years of providing network news to Minnesota listeners. Station Brand Manager Brad Lane announced the change live during Thursday’s WCCO Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar.

“So I will tell you, that after conducting a full evaluation of all of the options available, WCCO Radio will be moving to ABC News this afternoon,” Lane said. “Our plan is hopefully, fingers crossed and all the technical wires are pieced together, we will move to ABC News starting at 3:00 this afternoon.”

ABC News will deliver top-of-the-hour updates all day, every day. The newscasts will run two minutes long instead of the traditional three-minute CBS reports, with five-minute updates at night. Listeners will hear new national anchors and correspondents, including Sherry Preston, Alex Stone, Karen Travers, and Jim Ryan.

WCCO will also gain full long-form breaking news coverage, access to ABC reporters on major stories, and special programming such as presidential debates, election coverage, and holiday specials. The first ABC holiday special, “Press Play,” airs Memorial Day from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Wilmington DE Radio: WDEL Joins ABC News Radio

Starting Saturday May 23, ABC will provide news updates on WDEL (101.7FM / 1150AM) at the start of every hour, replacing CBS News, which is shuttering its radio news division after nearly 100 years.

WDEL will air a retrospective looking back at the long history of CBS Radio News on Friday at 9 a.m. and again as the network signs off at 11 p.m.

"We were extremely disappointed with CBS' decision," said WDEL's Director of News, Programming and Operations Chris Carl. “But we are thrilled to join ABC, which has a well established record of broadcast journalism excellence.

We're Here! Check the Pulse for Thursday, May 21

Radio broadcasting

Broadcasters have a key date to mark: June 18, 2026, when the FCC’s latest package of deregulatory updates becomes official.

The Infinite Dial shows 30% of all weekly radio listeners report using a digital stream for at least part of their radio consumption. This means nearly one-third of the radio audience is now hybrid in its listening behavior—tuning in to the same stations through both legacy broadcast signals and modern digital channels.

Hybrid radio listening skews toward a blend of younger digital natives (who add streams to their habits) and older traditionalists (who are increasingly supplementing OTA with digital options).

Media Industry

Nexstar Media Group on Wednesday urged a U.S. appeals court to fast-track its review of a lower-court ruling that has blocked the company’s proposed acquisition of rival broadcaster Tegna, warning that continued delays are inflicting tens of millions of dollars in permanent financial harm.

FOX News Channel (FNC) concluded the week of May 11th with over 2.6 million weekday primetime viewers and 243,000 in the 25-54 demo – notably, nabbing 99 out of the Top 100 cable news telecasts among total viewers. 

Billionaire Jeff Bezos, owner of The Washington Post, on Wednesday pushed back against sharp criticism of a harsh round of layoffs at the newspaper, arguing that the outlet must become a profitable business to demonstrate its true relevance in the media landscape.

TV Ratings: ABC's WNT No.1 In Total Viewers

With David Muir anchoring from Beijing, China, last week, “World News Tonight with David Muir” stood as the No. 1 program in Total Viewers (7.889 million) on all of broadcast and cable for the second consecutive week during the week of May 11, 2026, based on Live+Same Day Big Data Plus Panel Program Ratings from Nielsen Media Research. 

“World News Tonight” has been the No. 1 program on all TV for 15 weeks this season (with and without sports).

• “World News Tonight” ranked as the No. 1 newscast across broadcast and cable in Total Viewers (7.889 million), Adults 25-54 (962,000) and Adults 18-49 (709,000).
• “World News Tonight” outperformed “NBC Nightly News” (5.970 million, 831,000 and 586,000, respectively) in Total Viewers (+32%/+1.919 million), Adults 25-54 (+16%/+131,000) and Adults 18-49 (+31%/+123,000).
• “World News Tonight” widened its margins over “NBC Nightly News” week to week in Adults 25-54 (+79% – 131,000 vs. 73,000) and Adults 18-49 (+459% – 123,000 vs. 22,000).
• “World News Tonight” built on its lead over “NBC Nightly News” on the year-ago week by double digits in Total Viewers (+26% – 1.919 million vs. 1.517 million) and Adults 18-49 (+18% – 123,000 vs. 104,000).

Where Things Stand: The Hybrid Radio Listener

Hybrid radio listeners—those who consume AM/FM radio both over-the-air (traditional receivers) and via digital streams (smartphones, smart speakers, cars, etc.)—represent a growing and dynamic segment of the audience. According to the 2026 Infinite Dial, they make up 30% of weekly radio listeners (up from 19% in 2024), while 70% remain exclusive traditional over-the-air users.

Publicly available Infinite Dial data does not break out exact cross-tabs for this hybrid group specifically (e.g., precise age/gender splits for those using both delivery methods for the same stations). 

However, broader patterns in online audio adoption, in-car usage, and radio streaming trends provide a clear profile. Hybrid behavior sits at the intersection of traditional radio loyalty and digital convenience.

Age Breakdown and Generational Shifts

CRS 360 Webinar Explores In-Car Measurement

Country Radio Broadcasters Releases New CRS360 Session on In-Car Radio Measurement and Listener Analytics

Country Radio Broadcasters has made its latest CRS360 educational session available on demand, offering radio professionals fresh insights into in-car listening measurement and audience analytics. Titled “DTS Autostage: The End Of The Measurement Guessing Game,” the presentation is now accessible through the CRS platform. 

It features Juan Galdemez of Xperi and is moderated by Kevin Callahan, Executive Director of Operations and Programming for Pamal Broadcasting.

Originally delivered live at the 2026 Country Radio Seminar in March, the session explores how DTS Autostage technology gathers real-time, in-vehicle listening data through large-scale audience sampling of AM/FM radio usage. Galdemez explains how broadcasters can leverage these detailed in-car metrics to better understand listener behavior, habits, and engagement patterns—potentially transforming traditional methods of measuring terrestrial radio performance.

Callahan provides the programmer’s viewpoint, highlighting practical applications of the data for daily programming decisions, content strategy, and overall station operations.

The CRS360 series, developed by Country Radio Broadcasters, delivers year-round educational content and industry-focused discussions to support radio professionals beyond the annual seminar. This installment continues the initiative’s mission to equip broadcasters with emerging tools and data-driven strategies in an evolving media landscape.

WaPo Owner Calls Profitability a Key Measure of Relevance

Billionaire Jeff Bezos, owner of The Washington Post, on Wednesday pushed back against sharp criticism of a harsh round of layoffs at the newspaper, arguing that the outlet must become a profitable business to demonstrate its true relevance in the media landscape.

Bezos emphasized that financial sustainability is not just desirable but essential, describing profitability as a direct “measure of its relevance.” 

He also highlighted a recent achievement, noting that the Post won a Pulitzer Prize in 2026, as evidence of the publication’s ongoing journalistic strength despite the cost-cutting measures.

The comments come amid backlash over what employees and media observers have called a “brutal” reduction in staff. The latest layoffs represent the latest in a series of workforce reductions at the Post since Bezos acquired the paper in 2013, as the organization grapples with industry-wide challenges including declining print revenue, shifting digital advertising models, and intense competition from free online news sources and tech platforms.

Lawmakers Seek Ban On Gambling Ads Targeting Minors

Sens. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) are introducing legislation Thursday that would federally prohibit digital gambling advertisements aimed at people under 18, targeting concerns that social media platforms are hooking children on betting.

The Gaming Advertisement to Minors Enforcement Act would ban ads promoting sports betting on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. It comes amid a surge in sports betting and prediction markets, where minors are frequently exposed through targeted ads, video games, influencers, podcasts, and offshore sites despite age restrictions on major platforms.

The Federal Trade Commission would enforce the ban, with penalties of up to $100,000 per violating advertisement. The bill carves out exceptions for broad-audience ads during sporting events and content that minors actively search for.

While many states and major social media companies already maintain similar bans, critics argue those measures lack strong enforcement and sufficient penalties, rendering them ineffective.

The legislation reflects growing alarm among child-safety advocates about a burgeoning gambling addiction crisis among youth, fueled by the constant presence of betting promotions across online platforms and live sports.

Seattle Radio: 99.9 KISW to Host First-Ever Live Ferry Broadcast

99.9 KISW (KISW-FM), an Audacy station in Seattle, has announced a partnership with Washington State Ferries (WSF) to celebrate the state’s marine highway system’s 75th anniversary. On May 29, the station will host a historic, first-of-its-kind four-hour live broadcast from aboard the Edmonds-Kingston ferry.

From 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. PT, “The Daly Migs” morning show co-hosts, Steve Migs, Taryn Daly, and Danny V., will broadcast live while sailing across the Puget Sound. Throughout the morning, special guests will join the crew as they sail between the Edmonds and Kingston terminals. 

“We’re always looking to push the boundaries of live radio, so bringing the entire show onto a moving ferry is incredibly exciting,” said Ryan Castle, Brand Manager, 99.9 KISW. “We can’t wait to connect with our audience out on the water and bring some serious rock-and-roll energy to the morning commute.” 

📻🎧Listeners can tune in to 99.9 FM (KISW-FM) in Seattle on-air and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station via Instagram, X and Facebook.

Radio History: May 21

➦In 1916...entertainer Dennis Day born, Owen Patrick Eugene McNulty (Died at age 72 of Lou Gehrig's Disease – June 22, 1988). He was a singer, radio, television and film personality and comedian of Irish descent.

Dennis Day

Day appeared for the first time on Jack Benny's radio show on October 8, 1939. He remained associated with Benny's radio and television programs until Benny's death in 1974. Mary Livingstone, Benny's wife, brought the singer to Benny's attention after hearing Day on the radio during a visit to New York.

Besides singing, Day was a mimic. On the Benny program, Day performed impressions of various celebrities of the era, including Ronald Colman, Jimmy Durante and James Stewart.

From 1944 through 1946 he served in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant. While in service he was temporarily replaced on the Benny radio program by fellow tenor Larry Stevens. On his return to civilian life, he continued to work with Benny while also starring on his own NBC show, A Day in the Life of Dennis Day (1946–1951).

On Benny's show, Day's having two programs in comparison to Benny's one was the subject of numerous jokes and gags, usually revolving around Day rubbing Benny's, and sometimes other cast members' and guest stars' noses in that fact (e.g., "Dennis, why do you have two horns on your bicycle?" "Why shouldn't I? I've got two shows!"). His last radio series was a comedy and variety show that aired on NBC's Sunday afternoon schedule during the 1954–55 season.

He went on to star in his own NBC radio sitcom (Dennis Day Show.) On TV he appeared in 237 episodes of the Benny Show, plus about a dozen guest acting gigs.

➦In 1931...WOR radio in New York City premiered The Witch’s Tale. Beginning in 1934 the pioneering horror show was broadcast on the Mutual Broadcasting System (of which WOR was the flagship station) where it aired until 1938.