Good Morning: Early Risers Check The Pulse For TGIF, May 1

Radio Broadcasting

FCC Targets Radio Broadcaster for Early License Review:  The FCC is preparing to place an unnamed radio operator under early license renewal scrutiny over public interest obligations. The move comes just days after the FCC ordered Disney’s eight local ABC television stations to file renewals two years ahead of schedule.  FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced the radio review Thursday but did not identify the broadcaster. He stressed the agency’s commitment to enforcing public interest obligations, citing Supreme Court precedent that such oversight does not violate the First Amendment.

Salem Media Launches National Morning Show:  Larry O’Connor is host of new national morning program, “O’Connor & Company,” launching May 4 from 6:00–9:00 a.m. Eastern. The show will air on more than 140 stations across the Salem Radio Network and simulcast on the Salem News Channel. O’Connor will continue hosting the same slot on WMAL in Washington, D.C.

RIP: Chad Hasty:  Longtime West Texas radio host Chad Hasty died Thursday at age 43. The influential conservative voice in Lubbock and state politics passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Lubbock County home, according to Townsquare Media, owner of News/Talk 95.1 & 970 KFYO. His cause of death has not been released, but officials believe it was natural.

Media Industry

More States Challenge Nexstar-Tegna Merger:  Five additional states have joined a federal antitrust lawsuit seeking to block or unwind Nexstar Media Group’s $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna Inc. California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Thursday that Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Vermont are now part of the suit, bringing the bipartisan coalition to 13 states. The deal has already closed.

Consumers Sue to Block PSKY, WBD Merger: A group of television viewers filed a federal lawsuit in California on Friday to halt Paramount Global’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The plaintiffs argue the deal would reduce competition in streaming and entertainment, leading to higher prices, fewer choices, and less new content.

Apple Posts Strong Quarter Ahead of CEO Transition:  Apple reported quarterly revenue of $111.2 billion, beating expectations, driven by a 21.7% surge in iPhone sales to nearly $57 billion. Gross profit margin reached 49.3%. The results provide a solid financial foundation for incoming CEO John Ternus.

U.S. News

Inflation Rises as Energy Prices Climb:  Higher energy prices pushed the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure higher in March. The personal-consumption expenditures (PCE) price index rose 0.7% in March after a 0.4% increase in February, the Commerce Department said Thursday. Over the past year, PCE is up 3.5% — well above the Fed’s 2% target.

Iran Threatens: Iran warned Thursday it would respond with “long and painful strikes” on U.S. positions if attacks resume and reiterated its claim to the Strait of Hormuz. Two months into the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, the key waterway remains closed, disrupting 20% of global oil and gas supplies and driving energy prices higher worldwide.

Gas Hits $6 a Gallon in California:  Motorists marking the 100th anniversary of U.S. Route 66 paid $6 per gallon for gasoline in California on Thursday — the highest price in two years. The Iran war has caused the worst global oil supply disruption in history, creating a major political issue as elections approach.

Early License Reviews: After Disney, Radio Could Be Next

The FCC is preparing to place a radio operator under early license renewal scrutiny over public interest obligations, just days after ordering Disney’s eight local ABC television stations to file renewals two years ahead of schedule.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced the upcoming radio review Thursday but did not name the broadcaster. 

He emphasized the agency’s focus on accountability. “We’ve been very clear that we’re holding broadcasters accountable to their obligations,” Carr said. “It’s gone all the way to the Supreme Court, and they’ve said that holding broadcasters to their public interest obligations isn’t censorship and it isn’t a violation of their First Amendment.”

The Disney action followed public calls by President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over a joke referencing the couple’s age difference. The FCC order, which did not mention Kimmel, cited the stations’ support for DEI initiatives as raising concerns under the “prohibition on unlawful discrimination.”

The National Association of Broadcasters criticized the early review of Disney’s licenses, arguing it undermines predictability, fairness, and transparency in the renewal process.

“The Media Bureau’s nearly unprecedented request for one company to quickly reapply for all of its licenses, rather than utilize its traditional enforcement process, runs contrary to these principles and creates significant uncertainty for all broadcasters,” said NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt. 

He warned that stations already face “intense challenges” and that the move risks creating “further instability” for local audiences.

Carr largely dismissed the NAB’s concerns, pointing out that Disney is a member of the trade group. He also highlighted a separate petition from the National Religious Broadcasters urging the FCC to investigate ABC over Kimmel’s comments.

13 States Now Challenge Nexstar-Tegna Merger

Five additional states have joined a federal antitrust lawsuit seeking to block or unwind Nexstar Media Group’s $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna Inc., expanding the challenge to a bipartisan coalition of 13 states and intensifying legal pressure on the deal that has already closed.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Thursday that Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Vermont have joined the suit, which was originally filed last month by eight states. 

The amended complaint argues the merger violates federal antitrust laws by creating an overly concentrated local television market, potentially leading to higher advertising and consumer prices, reduced competition, job cuts in newsrooms, and diminished local programming.

The coalition now includes attorneys general from: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Virginia.

TV Consumers Sue to Block PSKY, WBD Merger

A group of television consumers filed a federal lawsuit in California on Friday seeking to halt Paramount Global’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), arguing the deal would violate antitrust laws by reducing competition in the streaming and entertainment industry.

The plaintiffs contend that the merger would lead to higher prices for consumers, fewer choices in streaming services and content, and a reduction in new productions, ultimately harming viewers. They are asking the court to block the transaction before it can close.

Paramount responded that the lawsuit lacks merit and vowed to defend the deal vigorously. The company maintains that the combination would create a stronger competitor in the rapidly evolving media landscape dominated by tech giants like Netflix, Amazon, and Disney.

Apple Sales Top $111B

Apple delivered strong iPhone sales and healthy profit margins in its latest quarter, providing a solid financial foundation for incoming CEO John Ternus.

The company reported quarterly revenue of $111.2 billion, beating Wall Street expectations, driven by a 21.7% surge in iPhone sales to nearly $57 billion. Customers upgraded devices at a brisk pace, fueled by excitement over the iPhone 17 lineup.Apple’s gross profit margin reached 49.3%, also exceeding forecasts and underscoring the strength of its premium business.

iPhone sales in China jumped 28% in the quarter, marking a second straight period of strong growth after years of weakness. The results helped Apple claim the top global smartphone market share position in the March quarter for the first time, according to Counterpoint Research. Its dominance in the premium segment helped shield it from rising component costs.

FCC's Carr: Early ABC License Review Not About Kimmel

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said Thursday that the agency’s decision to order an early license review for Disney’s ABC television stations stems from an ongoing investigation into the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion practices, not from President Trump’s public feud with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.

“This was based on DEI conduct and not speech,” Carr said at a press conference following the FCC’s monthly meeting.

The review focuses on whether Disney’s DEI initiatives violate the FCC’s equal employment opportunity rules that prohibit discrimination based on race and gender. Carr said information received from Disney has raised suspicions of noncompliance, and he accused the company of being slow and evasive in its responses. “It felt like they were playing rope-a-dope,” Carr said of Disney’s handling of document requests.

Radio Delivers Unmatched Reach During FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup returns to the United States for the first time in over 30 years, creating a powerful advertising window where global scale, emotion, and real-time consumer attention converge. 

Spanning 11 host cities from June 11 to July 19, the tournament offers brands a rare chance to connect with highly engaged domestic audiences during one of the year’s biggest media moments.Radio stands out as an essential channel during the event. As fans follow matches across time zones while commuting, working, running errands, or multitasking, AM/FM radio provides constant, always-on access to live action and conversation—reaching consumers even when screens are unavailable.

Philly Radio: Merrill Reese, Eagles Voice Honored

Michael Massimino, Jane Seymour, Merrill Reese, David Yadgaroff

Audacy has announced legendary sports broadcaster Merrill Reese has been named a 2026 recipient of the prestigious Common Wealth Award of Distinguished Service for his outstanding contributions to mass communications and his lasting impact on sports broadcasting.

Reese was honored at the 2026 awards ceremony on April 24 at the Hotel DuPont in Wilmington, DE. Fellow 2026 honorees include astronaut Michael Massimino and actress Jane Seymour.

“Merrill Reese is a Philadelphia institution and one of the greatest play-by-play broadcasters in NFL history,” said David Yadgaroff, Senior Vice President of Sales, Audacy Philadelphia. “His passion, professionalism and unmistakable voice have defined generations of Eagles football on the radio. We’re incredibly proud to have him on our team and see him receive this well-deserved and remarkable achievement.”

Jacobs, Brotman Join Audacy Board of Directors

Walker Jacobs and Gabriel Brotman

Audacy has announced the appointment of two new members of its Board of Directors, Walker Jacobs, DAZN Global Chief Revenue Officer and President of DAZN USA, and Gabriel Brotman of Soros Fund Management.

”The appointments of Walker and Gabe to the Audacy Board of Directors further advance our ability to capture all the opportunities we see across the fast-changing audio landscape,” said Kelli Turner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Audacy. “Their expertise and guidance will be invaluable as we continue to evolve our platform, strengthen our partnerships, and drive long-term value for our audiences, advertisers and shareholders.”

Salem Radio Network Names Larry O'Connor Morning Host

Salem Media has named Larry O’Connor as the host of its new national morning program, “O’Connor & Company,” launching May 4 from 6:00–9:00 a.m. Eastern.

The show will air across the Salem Radio Network on more than 140 affiliated stations and simulcast on the Salem News Channel, expanding O’Connor’s reach as one of conservative media’s most prominent voices.

O’Connor will continue hosting his flagship “O’Connor & Company” morning show in the same 6:00–9:00 a.m. Eastern slot on WMAL in Washington, D.C., while the program simultaneously becomes Salem’s national morning flagship.

Cumulus, Media Audit, TOMA Partner For Market Intel

Cumulus Media is accelerating its commitment to data-driven sales by partnering with The Media Audit and TOMA.Solutions. The move brings sophisticated market and consumer intelligence to Cumulus stations across a growing number of U.S. markets, providing a level of local clarity that goes far beyond traditional audience metrics.

The Media Audit provides granular local market data on consumer lifestyles, purchasing behavior and cross-platform media usage. TOMA.Solutions adds a powerful layer of competitive insight by measuring "Top-of-Mind Awareness," revealing which local brands own the first-to-mind position in their categories. Together, these tools give Cumulus teams a clearer view of the local marketplace—helping identify high-potential audiences, uncover category demand, and pinpoint exactly where brands stand against their competitors.

ESPN's Dave Roberts Retiring After Nearly Five Decades

Dave Roberts who has had a highly decorated career of nearly five decades in the media industry, will retire from his position as ESPN Executive Vice President, Executive Editor, Sports News and Entertainment at the end of August.

Roberts, who joined ESPN in 2004 as a coordinating producer, currently oversees ESPN’s vast news operation including sports news and coverage, investigative and enterprise journalism, research and digital editorial and all editions of SportsCenter. He also has oversight of studio shows including First Take, Get Up, PTI, NFL Live and fantasy shows, ESPN Audio, ESPN podcast content, ESPN digital shows, the Creative Content Unit and the Studio Enhancement Team.

“This has been both a real honor and a blessing to work for and with the most talented people in the industry,” Roberts said. “I am extremely humbled and grateful to have had the opportunities afforded me as a member of the ESPN leadership team. It has been simply an awesome 22 years.”

R.I.P.: Chad Hasty, KFYO Lubbock Talk Host

Chad Hasty (1983-2026)

Chad Hasty, longtime West Texas radio host and influential voice in Lubbock and state politics, died Thursday at age 43.

Hasty passed away peacefully in his sleep early Thursday morning at his Lubbock County home, according to Townsquare Media, which operates News/Talk 95.1 & 970 KFYO. His cause of death was not immediately released, but officials believe it was from natural causes.

"News/Talk 95.1 & 970 KFYO and Townsquare Media are deeply saddened to share the news that longtime host, beloved personality, and Lubbock institution Chad Hasty passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday morning," the media group said in a statement posted Thursday afternoon.

Radio History: May 1

➦In 1907...Kate Smith born in Greenville, VA (Died – June 17, 1986).  She was considered to be The First Lady of Radio, best-known for her rendition of Irving Berlin's "God Bless America". She had a radio, television, and recording career spanning five decades, which reached its pinnacle in the 1940s. Smith became known as The Songbird of the South after her endearing popularity during World War II.

Smith was a major star of radio, usually backed by Jack Miller's Orchestra. 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 (1937–1945). 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 1940.

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

➦In 1918...Jack Paar born in Canton, OH (Died at age 85 – January 27, 2004). He is best known for his stint as the second host of The Tonight Show from 1957 to 1962.

He first worked near home as a radio announcer at WIBM in Jackson, Michigan, and later as a humorous disc jockey at Midwest stations, including WJR in Detroit, WIRE in Indianapolis, WGAR in Cleveland, and WBEN in Buffalo. In his book P.S. Jack Paar, he recalled doing utility duty at WGAR in 1938 when Orson Welles broadcast his famous simulated alien invasion, The War of the Worlds, over the CBS network (and its WGAR affiliate). Attempting to calm possibly panicked listeners, Paar announced, "The world is not coming to an end. Trust me. When have I ever lied to you?"

Paar was drafted into the military in 1943 during World War II, interrupting his tenure as host of WBEN's morning show The Sun Greeter's Club (he opted not to return to the station at war's end, instead seeking opportunities in network radio and film). He was assigned to the U.S.O. in the South Pacific to entertain the troops.  He was a clever, wisecracking master of ceremonies whose impersonations of officers  nearly got him into trouble.

After World War II, Paar worked in radio as a fill-in on Don McNeil's  Breakfast Club show and appeared as a panelist on The $64,000 Question. He got his big break when Jack Benny, who had been impressed by Paar's U.S.O. performances, suggested that Paar serve as his 1947 summer replacement.  Paar was enough of a hit on Benny's show that Benny's sponsor, the American Tobacco Company, decided to keep him on the air, moving him to ABC for the fall season.

➦In 1931...Kate Smith began her radio show on the CBS Radio Network.

➦In 1935...the first radio tube to be made of metal was produced in Schenectady, New York.

➦In 1957...Larry King got his first job in radio. The manager of a small station, WAHR (now WMBM) in Miami Beach, hired him to clean up and perform miscellaneous tasks.  When one of the station's announcers abruptly quit, King was put on the air. His first broadcast was on May 1, 1957, working as the disc jockey from 9 a.m. to noon. He also did two afternoon newscasts and a sportscast. He was paid $50 a week.

SiriusXM Reports: Fewer Subscribers, But Stronger Profits

SiriusXM added paid subscribers sequentially and posted better-than-expected earnings in the first quarter, even as its paid subscriber base shrank slightly year-over-year to 31.2 million, down 109,000 from a year ago. Total subscribers, including trial users, stood at about 33 million and remained essentially flat compared with the prior year.

The company reported revenue of $2.09 billion, up 1% year-over-year, and net income of $245 million. Earnings per diluted share rose 22% to 72 cents from 59 cents, beating Wall Street expectations. Advertising revenue grew 5% to $372 million, driven by a 37% surge in podcasting revenue that offset softer demand in streaming music.

Churn improved to a record-low 1.5% for a first quarter, even after the company’s first back-to-back annual price increase in February. SiriusXM described churn as a “standout” area that continues to improve.

R.I.P.: David Allan Coe, Influential Country Artist

David Allan Coe (often misspelled as "Cole"), a pioneering figure in outlaw country music, died on April 29, 2026, at the age of 86. No official cause of death has been publicly disclosed, though reports noted he had been in declining health and was in intensive care in the period leading up to his passing.

Early Life and Rise to FameBorn September 6, 1939, in Akron, Ohio, Coe had a turbulent youth marked by time in reform schools and prisons. He turned to music after his release in the late 1960s, busking in Nashville (famously living out of a hearse) and initially performing blues before shifting to country.

He became a key part of the 1970s outlaw country movement alongside artists like Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Coe cultivated a rebellious, larger-than-life persona, complete with long hair, rhinestone suits, a Lone Ranger mask gimmick ("The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy"), and biker associations—that often put him at odds with Nashville's establishment but endeared him to fans.