TV Ratings: FOX News Channel Leads ABC And NBC In Primetime

FOX News Channel (FNC) finished the week of February 23rd leading ABC and NBC in Monday-Sunday primetime viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research Big Data + Panel. Averaging 3.9 million Monday-Sunday primetime viewers and 482,000 in the 25-54 demo, FNC led ABC (2.9 million viewers) and NBC (2.7 million viewers), according to Nielsen Big Data + Panel. Monday - Sunday total day (6 AM-6 AM/ET), FNC delivered over 2.3 million viewers and 263,000 in the 25-54 demo. 

FNC posted its highest rated Saturday since April 2003 with 3 million viewers across total day delivering its highest-rated weekend since July 13-14, 2024, which saw 2.7 million viewers. The network also delivered 4 million viewers in primetime. Additionally, FOX News Media’s coverage of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24th was the highest-rated in television with an audience of 11.5 million viewers and 1.9 million in the 25-54 demo across FNC, FOX Network and FOX Business Network according to final big data + panel from Nielsen Media Research.

On Saturday, FNC’s special coverage of the U.S.- Israeli strikes on Iran posted its highest rated Saturday since April 2003 across total day with 3 million viewers. In primetime on Saturday, FNC drew 4 million viewers and 517,000 in the 25-54 demo. Saturday in America, anchored by Kayleigh McEnany and Bret Baier (Saturday, 10 AM–12 PM/ET; 4 million viewers) posted its highest-rated episode in program history. The Story with Martha MacCallum’s 5PM hour delivered the highest rated hour of the day posting 4,667,000 viewers and outpaced NBC’s Saturday Night Live which saw 4,611,000 viewers. America’s Newsroom (12-2PM/ET) anchored by Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino delivered 3.7 million viewers, America Reports (2-4PM/ET) anchored by Sandra Smith and John Roberts nabbed 3.8 million viewers, Special Report with Bret Baier (6-7PM/ET) followed in second with over 4.4 million viewers, The Ingraham Angle (7-8PM/ET) and Jesse Watters Primetime (8-9PM/ET) delivered over 4 million viewers, and Hannity (9-10PM/ET) nabbed 3.9 million viewers.

On Sunday, FNC’s special coverage continued, delivering 2.6 million viewers and 347,000 in the 25-54 demo across 6A-3A total day and 3.1 million viewers and 475,000 in the 25-54 demo across primetime. Sunday Morning Futures anchored by Maria Bartiromo (Sunday, 10 AM/ET; 3.4 million viewers) and The Sunday Briefing anchored by Jacqui Heinrich (Sunday, 11 AM/ET; 2.8 million viewers) both posted their highest-rated episodes in program history. A special edition of The Faulkner Focus (Sunday, 12-2PM/ET) and The Will Cain Show (8-9PM/ET) averaged over 3 million viewers, while Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy (Sunday, 9 PM/ET; 3.3 million viewers) posted its highest-rated episode in program history.

FOX News Media’s coverage of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24th was the highest-rated in television with an audience of 11.5 million viewers and 1.9 million in A25-54 demo across FNC, FOX Network and FOX Business Network according to final big data + panel from Nielsen Media Research. Co-anchored by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, FNC’s programming surrounding the address that began at 9 PM/ET delivered 8.9 million viewers and 1.3 million in the 25-54 demo, topping broadcast networks ABC, NBC and CBS in viewers head-to-head and all cable networks across the board. The network also drew the largest audience during the democratic response, averaging 4.7 million viewers and 715,000 in A25-54

The Five delivered over 4.1 million viewers and 380,000 in the 25-54 demo, securing 64% share of cable news viewers for the hour. At 6 PM/ET, Special Report with Bret Baier averaged 3.4 million viewers and 325,000 in the 25-54 demo. The Ingraham Angle at 7PM/ET averaged 3.2 million viewers and 333,000 in the 25-54 demo. Jesse Watters Primetime delivered 3.9 million viewers and 431,000 in the 25-54 demo at 8 PM/ET, marking its highest rated week of the year. At 9 PM/ET, Hannity averaged 3.3 million viewers and 368,000 in the 25-54 demo. FOX News & Night with Trace Gallagher at 11PM/ET nabbed 1.7 million viewers.

Ratings Graphics Courtesy of RoadMN

FNC’s late-night hit Gutfeld! (weekdays, 10 PM/ET) averaged 3.1 million viewers and delivered 345,000 in the 25-54 demo, continuing to lead all late-night competition in total viewers and the 25-54 demo. It also continued to outpace the broadcast competition including CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2 million viewers; 266,000 A25-54), ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! (1.8 million viewers; 270,000 A25-54) and NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (1.1 million viewers; 237,000 A25-54).

FNC continued to see its daytime programs outperform the broadcast competition. America’s Newsroom (weekdays, 9AM-11AM/ET; 2,442,000 viewers), The Faulkner Focus (weekdays, 11AM-12PM/ET; 2,454,000 viewers), Outnumbered (weekdays, 12 PM/ET; 2,292,000 viewers), America Reports (weekdays, 1PM-3PM/ET; 2,371,000 viewers), The Story with Martha MacCallum (weekdays, 3PM/ET; 2,878,000 viewers) and The Will Cain Show (weekdays, 4 PM/ET; 2,645,000 viewers) all led CBS Mornings (1.8 million viewers) and ABC’s GMA 3 (1.4 million viewers). Notably, The Story with Martha MacCallum outpaced ABC’s The View (2.7 million viewers) for the week .

Source: Nielsen. Big Data + Panel. Week of 2-23-26 ratings data. Average audience for cable news networks Monday - Sunday programming and Monday-Sunday based on Total Day and Prime (6a-6a, 8P-11P), P2+, P25-54. Cable News/Broadcast Program averages includes all programing and sustainers.

Winter Olympics' Halo Helping Drive NBC During Primetime

The week of February 23, 2026 (roughly February 23–March 1, encompassing the tail end of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics), saw continued strong performance from NBC in primetime due to Olympics coverage wrapping up around that period. 

This boosted NBC significantly compared to regular programming weeks, while ABC and CBS relied more on standard scripted series, news, and specials (including potential State of the Union coverage impacts around late February).

Here's a summary based on reported figures from Nielsen (via Big Data + Panel), industry sources, and network notes:

Broadcast Networks Primetime (ABC, NBC, CBS)NBC dominated primetime during this late-February stretch, largely thanks to the closing days of the Winter Olympics (Milano Cortina 2026). The games averaged high viewership in primetime slots, with peaks from events like hockey and closing ceremonies. For the broader February 2026 weekday primetime: 

• NBC averaged around 6.88 million total viewers (heavily Olympics-driven), far outpacing competitors. Olympics coverage delivered some of the highest Winter Games audiences since 2014, nearly doubling 2022 Beijing numbers in key periods. Regular shows like The Voice, Stumble, and others benefited from lead-ins or occasional crossovers.
• ABC held steady in the middle tier, with weekday primetime averaging about 3.23 million total viewers for February 2026 overall. Hits like American Idol (strong on Mondays, e.g., around 6 million viewers in some slots), High Potential, and news specials performed well, but without major live events, it trailed NBC. Shows like 20/20 and dramas saw modest gains in some nights.
• CBS struggled relatively, averaging around 1.96 million in weekday primetime for February (noted as historically low for the month). FBI, The Neighborhood, Survivor, NCIS, and Tracker provided solid anchors (e.g., FBI surging on Mondays), but overall primetime was down year-over-year, with CBS posting its weakest February since 2000 in some metrics. Multiplatform (including streaming) helped series like Tracker rank high for non-sports broadcast.

Note: Evening news (often leading into primetime) showed ABC's World News Tonight leading (8-9 million weekly averages in early 2026 periods), followed by NBC Nightly News (7-8 million, boosted by Olympics), and CBS Evening News (~4-5 million, at historic lows).

Top Cable Channels

Cable was led by news and sports, with Fox News Channel frequently topping overall cable (and even surpassing CBS in primetime for February). Key February 2026 cable highlights:

Fox News: Primetime averaged 2.6 million viewers (Monday-Sunday), with weekday primetime around 3.1 million. It outpaced CBS in primetime for the month (2.6M vs. CBS's 2.4M) and dominated cable news, accounting for all top 100 cable news telecasts. Strong gains in total day (1.7 million).

Other notables:

• MS NOW: Primetime ~1.1-1.14 million, trailing Fox but ahead of CNN in total viewers.
• CNN: Primetime ~800,000-900,000, with some demo strength but overall lower.
• ESPN: Solid when sports aired (e.g., college basketball, NBA), but post-Olympics dips; ranked high in some weekly snapshots but not as dominant as during peak events.
• Entertainment cable (e.g., USA, TNT, TBS): Typically in the 200,000-500,000 range for averages, with reruns and dramas steady but not topping charts amid Olympics/news competition.

Overall, the week reflected the Olympics' lingering boost for NBC (and cable sports/news), while broadcast networks showed ongoing linear declines offset by live events and multiplatform viewing. Fox News continued its cable dominance, often ranking above or near lower broadcast nets. For precise night-by-night or show-specific numbers, check sources like Nielsen, USTVDB, or TV Series Finale for updates. Ratings can vary by demo (e.g., 18-49 vs. total viewers) and include streaming where noted.

TV Ratings: ABC's WNT Leads Broadcast Evening Newscasts

“World News Tonight with David Muir” ranked as the No. 1 newscast in all of broadcast and cable in Total Viewers (8.642 million), Adults 25-54 (1.028 million) and Adults 18-49 (759,000) during the week of Feb. 23, 2026, based on Live+Same Day Big Data Plus Panel Program Ratings from Nielsen Media Research.

• “World News Tonight” outdelivered “NBC Nightly News” (6.788 million, 989,000 and 689,000, respectively) in Total Viewers (+27%/+1.854 million), Adults 25-54 (+4%/+39,000) and Adults 18-49 (+10%/+70,000).
• “World News Tonight” increased its Total Viewer lead over “NBC Nightly News” by its largest margin in 4 weeks and by double digits both week to week (+46% – 1.854 million vs. 1.272 million) and year to year (+22% – 1.854 million vs. 1.522 million).
• For the 6th week running, “World News Tonight” grew its Total Viewer audience year to year (+6%/+479,000 – 8.642 million vs. 8.163 million).
• For the 3rd consecutive week, “World News Tonight” (8.642 million, 1.028 million and 759,000, respectively) doubled the “CBS Evening News” audience (4.170 million, 504,000 and 380,000, respectively) and outdelivered the program by triple digits in Total Viewers (+107%/+4.472 million), Adults 25-54 (+104%/+524,000) and Adults 18-49 (+100%/+379,000).
• “World News Tonight” increased its advantage over the “CBS Evening News” versus the same week last year in Total Viewers (+18% – 4.472 million vs. 3.778 million) and Adults 25-54 (+11% – 524,000 vs. 470,000).

NOTE: On Tuesday (2/24/26), “World News Tonight” was retitled to “WNT-ABC” and “NBC Nightly News” was retitled to “NBC Nitely News.” The retitled telecasts are excluded from the weekly and season averages. The weekly averages for “World News Tonight” and “NBC Nightly News” are based on four days (Monday and Wednesday-Friday).

LA Radio: KYSR-FM Slots Nicole Alvarez To Middays

iHeartMedia's Alt 98.7 (KYSR-FM) in Los Angeles has appointed veteran radio personality Nicole Alvarez as its new midday host, effective March 2, 2026. Alvarez, a well-known figure in the LA alternative music scene, takes over the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift as part of the station's refreshed weekday programming lineup.

Alvarez brings more than two decades of experience to the role. She began her radio career at age 18 and spent 23 years at crosstown rival KROQ, where she built a reputation for her artist-focused interviews, deep connections within the alternative music community, and passionate advocacy for new music.

The change also sees Christen Limon moving from middays back to the evening slot. Limon will host 6-11 p.m. while continuing in her role as the station's Music Director.

Lisa Worden, iHeartMedia's SVP of Alternative and Rock Programming and Program Director for Alt 98.7, praised the updated schedule, calling it a "totally stacked weekday line-up" that strengthens the station's position in the competitive Los Angeles market.

Nicole Alvarez

Alt 98.7's current weekday lineup now includes:

• 5-10 a.m.: The Woody Show
• 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Nicole Alvarez
• 2-6 p.m.: Booker & Stryker
• 6-11 p.m.: Christen Limon
• 11 p.m.-midnight: Emerging ALT

Alvarez initially joined Alt 98.7 in December 2025 for holiday fill-ins before securing this full-time midday position, marking her return to daily on-air duties in LA following her departure from KROQ.

LI Radio: The Shark Adds Chaz & AJ Simulcast

The long-running rock morning show "Chaz and AJ" is returning to Long Island radio, expanding to mornings on Connoisseur Media's WWSK (94.3 The Shark) beginning Monday, March 9, 2026. The move marks a homecoming for the duo, who first built their audience on Long Island before moving to New Haven in 2003, while the program continues its established weekday mornings on heritage classic rocker 99.1 WPLR in New Haven.

The simulcast reunites Chaz and AJ with the market where their partnership originated. They hosted mornings on WRCN from 1997 to 2003 before crossing Long Island Sound to WPLR, where the show has since become one of rock radio's most enduring and award-winning programs.

"The Chaz and AJ show began on Long Island and it just makes perfect sense to have them return home," said Keith Dakin, SVP of Programming for Connoisseur Media. "The show has always been for and about the listeners, and now we get to add a whole bunch more to the party."

The return holds special significance for AJ, a Huntington, NY native who grew up tuned into Long Island radio. He interned at WBAB, worked at WMJC (the predecessor to 94.3 The Shark), and later hosted mornings at WRCN, where he first teamed up with Chaz in 1997 after Chaz replaced him in the slot the previous year.

"We are thrilled to get back to our roots on Long Island," Chaz and AJ said in a joint statement. "Now we'll wake up audiences on The Shark and on WPLR in New Haven — it truly feels like the best of both worlds.

"Over nearly three decades, the show has cultivated a loyal fanbase known as "The Tribe" and earned accolades including a Marconi Award for Best Morning Show, multiple community service honors, and recognition as one of the Top 5 Rock Morning Shows in the U.S.

As part of the expansion announcement, Chaz has signed a new five-year agreement with Connoisseur Media, underscoring the company's long-term commitment to the program's growth and its expected expansion of listeners across New York and Connecticut.

CBS Stays With Gayle King On CBS This Morning

Gayle King

CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King has signed a new deal with CBS News, securing her continued role at the network amid a major leadership overhaul and recent speculation about her future.

The agreement provides stability for the morning show as CBS News undergoes sweeping changes under new Editor in Chief Bari Weiss. King, who has been with the network for over a decade, dispelled exit rumors with a pointed statement: “Rumors of my demise were inaccurate and greatly exaggerated.” 

She added, “CBS News is my longtime home, and I am committed to our mission. I’m excited about continuing at ‘CBS Mornings.’ ... And now that we are here, I am all in.”Weiss praised the decision, stating, “There is only one Gayle King. We’re so proud that she’ll continue to call CBS home. We’re thrilled to have her on in the morning—and equally excited to work with her on new, enterprising projects that bring her talents to new audiences.”

CBS News President Tom Cibrowski also expressed enthusiasm, noting that King and co-host Nate Burleson form a strong partnership and hinting at upcoming evolutions for the program: “We are excited to continue to evolve ‘CBS Mornings’ and can’t wait for what’s to come.”King's previous contract, worth roughly $15 million and set to expire in May, had fueled speculation about her departure amid industry-wide economic pressures on TV news. 

Many high-profile anchors have faced pay reductions as networks grapple with declining linear revenue and high costs elsewhere.

The renewal comes as Weiss, who assumed her role in October after Paramount acquired her site The Free Press, pursues broad reforms to programming and digital strategy. She reports directly to Paramount CEO David Ellison. Paramount has also agreed to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (owner of CNN), potentially enabling cost savings across the combined news operations.

This follows recent network shifts, including Anderson Cooper's announced departure from 60 Minutes after the current season and Tony Dokoupil's elevation to anchor of the CBS Evening News earlier this winter.

NYC Radio: WABC's Sid Rosenberg Apologizes to Mayor Mamdani

WABC New York (770 AM) morning host Sid Rosenberg has issued a public apology to Mayor Zohran Mamdani following widespread backlash over inflammatory social media comments in which he referred to the mayor as an "America-hating, Jew-hating, Radical Islam cockroach" and a "jihadist."

The apology came on Wednesday during Rosenberg's "Sid & Friends in the Morning" show on the Red Apple Media-owned station. Rosenberg described his original post—made Monday on X (formerly Twitter) and later deleted—as "a bit over the top" and offered what he called a "heartfelt apology" to Mamdani and anyone else offended. He emphasized that he would continue criticizing politicians' policies but regretted the name-calling, noting it was "not nice to call somebody a bug" and claiming the remarks had "nothing to do with anybody’s religion or faith."

The controversy erupted after Rosenberg's post urged President Donald Trump to stop complimenting or meeting with Mamdani, amid apparent discussions on issues like affordability. The post, which garnered significant attention before its removal, drew swift condemnation for its dehumanizing and Islamophobic language.

Mayor Mamdani, New York City's first Muslim mayor, responded Tuesday by calling the comments "hateful," "dehumanizing," and part of a "painfully familiar" pattern of anti-Muslim rhetoric. Speaking at a press conference, he described being labeled a "cockroach," "jihadist," and similar terms as difficult to hear, especially given his background as a Muslim New Yorker born in East Africa. Mamdani thanked supporters and officials who spoke out but said he learned of Rosenberg's apology via social media and had not been contacted directly. He added that "time will tell" how sincere the apology was, while stressing that no amount of such attacks would alter his leadership approach.

The remarks prompted criticism from prominent figures including Gov. Kathy Hochul, who labeled them "hateful, racist, and disgusting"; NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who reportedly messaged Rosenberg personally; and groups like CAIR-NY, which called for his removal from WABC. Other officials, including Sen. Chuck Schumer, denounced the language as bigoted and Islamophobic.

Rosenberg's apology followed intense pushback, including from his station owner John Catsimatidis, though he maintained his right to policy critiques. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in New York political discourse surrounding the new mayor's tenure and broader debates over rhetoric in media and public life.

NBC Sports Makes Jason Benetti Lead Voice for MLB

Jason Benetti

Jason Benetti, one of the most acclaimed play-by-play announcers in sports, has been named the lead voice for NBC Sports' Major League Baseball coverage, including the network's return to Sunday Night Baseball.

NBC officially announced the hire Wednesday. Benetti will debut on March 26, calling the primetime opener as the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers host the Arizona Diamondbacks at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock—the only primetime game on MLB's Opening Day.

As the primary announcer for Sunday Night Baseball, Benetti will pair with a rotating cast of color commentators drawn from local broadcast teams. He is also expected to handle other sports assignments for NBC.

Benetti, who was under contract with Fox Sports, received an early release to join NBC. He will continue as the lead play-by-play announcer for the Detroit Tigers.

This marks a return to NBC for Benetti, who previously called the 18-game MLB Sunday Leadoff package on Peacock in 2022 and handled baseball during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

NBC's MLB coverage revives after a 25-year absence. The broadcast team includes legendary host Bob Costas for the Sunday Night Baseball pregame show. Studio analysts for wild-card telecasts and select regular-season pregame segments feature recently retired stars Joey Votto, Clayton Kershaw, and Anthony Rizzo alongside Costas and Ahmed Fareed.

The 42-year-old Chicago native has risen rapidly in the industry despite being born 10 weeks premature with cerebral palsy, which left him with a limp and other challenges. Benetti has previously called games for the Chicago White Sox, Fox Sports, ESPN, and others.

“The hurdles are not physical for me,” he told Hoops HQ earlier this year. “They are because I don’t look the same as everybody.” His inspiring story and sharp, witty style have made him a standout in sports broadcasting.

Study: 20% of Internet Users Watch Vodcasts on Social Media

Video podcasts have gone mainstream, with 20% of global internet users now watching them on social video platforms in the past month, according to a new Ampere Analysis survey covering Q3 2025.

YouTube leads as the top destination, where 11% of internet users watched a video podcast in the past month. TikTok is gaining traction for clips and highlights.The format's rapid rise underscores its strategic value for platforms seeking cost-effective, long-form content to boost engagement and challenge YouTube's dominance. 

Recent moves—such as Netflix's deals with Spotify and Gary Lineker’s Goalhanger—highlight major players' growing investment in video podcasts.

Daniel Monaghan, Senior Research Manager at Ampere Analysis, noted: “As platforms vie for time spent, lower-cost long formats become increasingly appealing. Video podcasts offer these by providing easy viewing akin to linear chat shows.”

Key findings include:

• Viewers aged 18-34 are 24% more likely than average to watch video podcasts.
• Video podcast audiences show higher engagement with audio versions: 60% listen at least a few times a week, compared to 36% of average internet users.

The format performs strongly in mobile-first markets like Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia, while reaching 20% of internet users in countries including Spain, the US, and Canada.

The data comes from Ampere's biannual Media Consumer survey, which spans 30 global markets and includes responses from 56,000 internet users aged 18-64 per wave.

Key-United Network Makes New Sales Hires

Key-United, a joint venture between Key Networks and United Stations Radio Networks (USRN), two leaders in national radio network sales and syndication, announces that it has further strengthened its sales capabilities and service with the addition of two new appointments to the sales organization.

Rosanne Tipton

Rosanne Tipton joins Key-United as VP, Sales and Brand Partnerships, and industry veteran, Robbie Eisen, joins as Director of Strategic Research and Planning. The additions will reinforce the service and expertise the advertising market has come to expect from Key-United.

Ron Russo, President, Sales, Key United, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome both Rosanne and Robbie to the sales organization. Their energy, drive, and passion for building meaningful relationships perfectly align with our commitment to service and partnership. We’re confident they will make an immediate impact and accelerate the outstanding results our agency and client partners have come to expect from Key-United.”

Robbie Russo

With over 20 years in radio network sales, Tipton joins Key-United from over a decade at Focus 360 in New York, where she most recently served the company as SVP/Director of Sales Strategy and Investment. Prior to that, Tipton was Director, Traffic and Continuity and Director, Business Operations, for Westwood One and served Dial Global in roles including Sales Integration Manager and Continuity Manager.

Eisen brings over 15 years’ experience in radio network sales to Key-United and was previously Vice President of Sales Planning for Focus 360 in New York. Prior to that, Eisen was Senior Traffic Coordinator for 21st Century Fox and was Traffic Manager for Westwood One. He holds a B.A. degree from York College of Pennsylvania.

Key-United operates offices in New York City, Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Orlando, and key markets nationwide. For more information on Key United, visit www.key-united.com.

For advertisers and sponsors, contact Ron Russo, President of Sales, Key-United, at rrusso@key-united.com.

Q101, Chicago’s Alternative, Celebrates Women’s History Month

Chicago's Q101 is celebrating Women's History Month with the return of "The Women Who Make Q101", a month-long daily special highlighting iconic female artists who define the station's alternative sound.

Hosted by midday personality Lauren O'Neil, the feature airs every weekday at noon throughout March 2026. It spotlights diverse legends and influential voices including Siouxsie Sioux (Siouxsie and the Banshees), Amy Lee (Evanescence), Shirley Manson (Garbage), Lili Trifilio (Beach Bunny), Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Billie Eilish, and many more. 

These artists share personal stories, musical journeys, and insights through exclusive on-air interviews and social media content.

The celebration builds to a multi-hour special on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 — the final day of Women's History Month — starting at 12:00 p.m. (noon), featuring an all-female music showcase.

Tune in on Q101 FM, stream live at www.q101.com, or follow along on social media via
@q101chicago and facebook.com/q101chicago.

The initiative honors the talent, tenacity, and lasting impact of women who have shaped alternative music and inspired the station's identity.

"I am truly grateful for the opportunity to honor, amplify and celebrate the incredible Women Who Make Q101," said Lauren O'Neil. "These women inspired me to get into radio and continue to inspire me every day. Join me every weekday at noon as we celebrate the music, talent, art, tenacity, and impact of the icons who have blazed the path from the beginning and those who continue to carry the torch — culminating with a multi-hour-long all-female free-for-all on March 31st to stream from anywhere at Q101.com!"

Program Director James Kurdziel added: "I have two important roles in celebrating The Women Who Make Q101: Stay out of the way and appreciate what Lauren does. I’ve witnessed the work Lauren puts in and know that once again, the result will be impactful and educational. I know it is for me."

Baltimore Radio: Mix 106.5 Raises $1.4M+ for Johns Hopkins Children

Mix 106.5 (WWMX-FM), an Audacy station in Baltimore, raised over $1.4 million during its 37th annual radiothon benefitting Johns Hopkins Children’s Center (JHCC). All proceeds support JHCC’s mission of providing inclusive, family-centered care, while pioneering pediatric research and training the next generation of medical leaders. Since the radiothon’s inception in 1989, Mix 106.5 has helped raise over $32 million.

The 37th Annual Mix 106.5 Radiothon was hosted by “Kramer & Jess” hosts Steve Kramer and Jessica Dutra, midday host Corinna Delgado and “Kramer & Jess” producer Charlotte Smith on February 26 and February 27 at JHCC. Jojo Girard, former morning show host (1994-2012) and one of the founders of the radiothon, joined Mix 106.5 to co-host the two-day fundraiser. Throughout the broadcast, current and former patients and families shared stories about their experiences and the treatment they received from JHCC.

“From advanced medical equipment and research to the toys and books that ease a child’s stay, these donations provide vital support that insurance simply doesn’t cover. Every dollar stays local to fuel life-saving programs at JHCC,” said Tracy Brandys, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Baltimore. “We’re so honored to partner with a wonderful organization that provides the best care to our community. Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors, listeners, and staff who helped us reach a record-breaking milestone this year.”

“The Children’s Center sees thousands of patients each year for a variety of reasons, from routine checkups to lifesaving procedures,” says David Hackam, M.D., Ph.D., Co-Director and Pediatric Surgeon-in-Chief, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. “Every donation allows us to continue delivering world-class care to our pediatric patients, while also bringing a sense of healing and normalcy to our patients and their families when they need it the most.”

📻Listeners can tune in to Mix 106.5 (WWMX-FM) in Baltimore on air and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station on social media via Instagram, Facebook and X.

Radio History: March 5

➦In 1927...The newly-authorized Federal Radio Commission held its first meeting.

The FRC existed until its replacement by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1934. The Commission was created to regulate radio use "as the public interest, convenience, or necessity" requires. The Radio Act of 1927 superseded the Radio Act of 1912, which had given regulatory powers over radio communication to the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. The Radio Act of 1912 did not mention broadcasting and limited all private radio

Prior to 1927, radio was regulated by the United States Department of Commerce. Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover played a strong role in shaping radio. His powers were limited by federal court decisions, however; in particular, he was not allowed to deny broadcasting licenses to anyone who wanted one.

Herbert Hoover 1930

The result was that many people perceived the airwaves to suffer from "chaos," with too many stations trying to be heard on too few frequencies. Others believed the government simply wanted to control content. (Initially only two frequencies were available for broadcasting with one of these being reserved for "Crop reports and weather forecasts.") After several failed attempts to rectify this situation, Congress finally passed the Radio Act of 1927, which transferred most of the responsibility for radio to a newly created Federal Radio Commission. (Some technical duties remained the responsibility of the Radio Division of the Department of Commerce.)

The five-person FRC was given the power to grant and deny licenses, and to assign frequencies and power levels for each licensee. The Commission was not given any official power of censorship, although programming could not include "obscene, indecent, or profane language." In theory, anything else could be aired. In practice, the Commission could take into consideration programming when renewing licenses, and their ability to take away a broadcaster's license enabled them to control content to some degree.

To give you a broader sense of radio broadcasting history around March 5, here’s some context:

• Early Development (Pre-1920s): By March 5 in any given year before the 1920s, radio was still in its experimental phase. Pioneers like Guglielmo Marconi had demonstrated wireless telegraphy by the late 1890s, and Reginald Fessenden transmitted voice and music on Christmas Eve 1906. However, these were one-off experiments, not regular broadcasts. Lee de Forest’s work with the Audion tube, patented in 1906, was also advancing, but it wasn’t until the 1910s that it gained traction for amplifying signals.
• The 1920s Boom: By the early 1920s, radio broadcasting was taking off. For example, KDKA in Pittsburgh made the first commercial broadcast on November 2, 1920, reporting election results. By March 5, 1925, the industry was growing rapidly — stations were popping up nationwide, and the public was clamoring for receivers. Notably, on March 4, 1925 (just one day before your date), Calvin Coolidge’s presidential inauguration was broadcast, marking the first time a U.S. inauguration aired on radio. This event showcased radio’s power to connect the nation and set the stage for the FRC’s regulatory efforts two years later.

➦In 1940...The NBC Radio Show 'Fibber McGee & Molly' introduced its on-going comedic gag of opening the overstuffed and clutter closet.

The episode was titled "Cleaning the Closet" with Molly opening the closet looking for the dictionary and is promptly buried in Fibber's "stuff" ("arranged in there just the way I want it"). Cleaning out the closet becomes the show's plot, inventorying much of the contents along the way: a photo album, a rusty horseshoe, a ten-foot pole. After repacking the closet, Fibber realizes the dictionary has been put away too — and he opens the closet again, causing an avalanche.

A staple of the NBC Red Network for the show's entire run and one of the most popular and enduring radio series of its time, the prime time situation comedy ran as a standalone series from 1935 to 1956, then continued as a short-form series as part of the weekend Monitor from 1957 to 1959. The title characters were created and portrayed by Jim and Marian Jordan, a real-life husband and wife team that had been working in radio since the 1920s.

Fibber McGee and Molly, which followed up the Jordans' previous radio sitcom Smackout, followed the adventures of a working-class couple, the habitual storyteller Fibber McGee and his sometimes terse but always loving wife Molly, living among their numerous neighbors and acquaintances in the community of Wistful Vista. As with most radio comedies of the era, Fibber McGee and Molly featured an announcer, house band and vocal quartet for interludes. At the peak of the show's success in the 1940s, it was adapted into a string of feature films; a 1959 attempt to adapt the series to television with a different cast and new writers was both a critical and commercial failure, which, coupled with Marian Jordan's death shortly thereafter, brought the series to an end.

➦In 1957...Rock'n'Roll radio personality Allan Freed appeared on the TV game show 'To Tell the Truth', where he is seen defending the new "rock and roll" sound to the panelists, who were all clearly more comfortable with swing music: Polly Bergen, Ralph Bellamy, and Kitty Carlisle.