Jeff Shell Out At Paramount Skydance

Paramount President Jeff Shell will leave the company Wednesday and is expected to resign from its board, people familiar with the matter said.

The departure follows an internal probe into allegations that Shell disclosed confidential company information to R.J. Cipriani, who sued in March claiming he had consulted for Shell and alleging Shell leaked advance notice of Paramount’s $7.7 billion UFC media-rights deal and other nonpublic details. Cipriani’s initial breach-of-oral-contract and fraud suit also says Shell reneged on a promise related to a Roku music‑reality project; he later filed a related suit naming Paramount and its board.

Jeff Shell

Paramount hired outside counsel to investigate Cipriani’s claims. People familiar with the situation said Shell’s exit was expected regardless of the Cipriani dispute, and that most of Paramount’s key unit leaders reported to CEO David Ellison.

Shell’s split from Paramount comes after prior high‑profile departures: he resigned as CEO of NBCUniversal in April 2023 following an investigation into a sexual‑harassment complaint, saying he had had an “inappropriate relationship” with a colleague. 

Shell previously held senior roles at Disney and Fox and led RedBird Capital Partners’ sports and media portfolio before joining Paramount after Ellison’s Skydance took control. Cipriani and Shell, the complaint says, were introduced by attorney Patricia Glaser.

Cipriani alleges Shell failed to pay him for crisis‑communications work and that Shell disclosed material nonpublic information to him, including details of Paramount’s $7.7 billion UFC media‑rights deal and plans to sweeten its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. Shell countersued for defamation and extortion; Cipriani then expanded his suit to name Paramount, its board and the Ellison family. Paramount said an independent review found the allegations did not constitute a securities‑law violation.

Lawmakers Want FCC Action On Rising Sports Streaming Fees

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) urged FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to crack down on consolidation in the sports-media market, saying rising prices and shrinking access—exemplified by ESPN’s expanding reach—are harming fans.

In a letter filed Tuesday, the lawmakers asked the FCC to use its “broad authority to promote competition and protect against consolidation” after the agency’s February request for comment on sports broadcasting drew more than 8,000 public submissions complaining that watching sports has become expensive and confusing.

Warren and Ryan said “anticompetitive practices and corporate greed” now force fans to buy multiple subscriptions to follow teams, with NFL games “scattered” across about 10 networks and streaming services and some viewers paying nearly $800 per season for in‑market and national broadcasts. They raised similar concerns about the NBA and MLB.

The letter singles out recent deals it says reduced competition: Disney’s purchase of roughly 70% of Fubo and its integration with Hulu + Live TV, and the NFL’s acquisition of a 10% stake in ESPN. The lawmakers argue those transactions give ESPN greater incentive and ability to raise prices for viewers.

The appeal follows mounting public complaints and the FCC’s fact-finding effort; Warren and Ryan urged the agency to more closely scrutinize distribution and consolidation practices and consider enforcement or policy steps to restore competition and consumer access.

Aaron Ruper Is The Guy Tracking Trump on TV

Aaron Ruper

Aaron Rupar runs a small, fast-moving social‑media news operation that monitors about a dozen TV channels at once to clip and distribute notable moments about Donald Trump, a venture funded largely by a $50‑a‑year Substack, The Times of London reports.

Rupar watches simultaneous live coverage, flags moments he judges newsworthy, and quickly edits short video clips for platforms such as X, Threads and Instagram. Those clips often set or accelerate broader media and social‑media conversations within hours.

His operation is lean and largely solo—more curator and editor than traditional newsroom—relying on real‑time monitoring tools, rapid editing workflows and audience feedback to prioritize what to post. The Substack membership provides the primary revenue stream, enabling Rupar to sustain the effort without institutional backing.

The Times frames Rupar as emblematic of a new media model: low overhead, direct audience funding and outsized influence through rapid, clip‑first reporting. The profile notes both praise for filling a demand for immediate, verified moments and criticism over curation choices and the power individual curators can wield in shaping public narratives.

Background: Rupar is a former traditional journalist who adapted to a clip‑centric, social‑first landscape, building influence by turning live TV moments into shareable, context‑framed items for a national audience.

What to watch: how Rupar’s model scales, whether similar solo operations proliferate, and ongoing debates over editorial standards, verification and the role of individual curators in shaping political coverage.

Judge Delays Nexstar, Tegna Deal Ruling

A federal judge in Sacramento delayed a ruling on a temporary injunction in a lawsuit by DIRECTV and several state attorneys general challenging Nexstar Media Group’s $6.2 billion acquisition of TEGNA.

Judge Troy Nunley of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California heard three hours of arguments Tuesday, during which both sides said they would suffer significant business harms if the court ruled against them.

Plaintiffs, including DIRECTV and multiple state attorneys general, argue the merger violates federal antitrust laws by concentrating too much power in one broadcast company. They contend Nexstar, already the largest independent owner-operator of TV stations (many affiliated with ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC), would use the combined portfolio to demand higher distribution fees from cable and satellite providers—costs that ultimately fall on consumers.

Those higher fees, plaintiffs say, have prompted some providers to temporarily drop channels rather than pass costs to subscribers; federal law prevents providers from importing out-of-market stations to replace dropped local stations. Plaintiffs say the acquisition would worsen that leverage.

Nexstar attorney Alexander Okuliar told the court the company lacks any incentive to provoke blackouts, saying such disputes harm broadcasters through lost subscription and advertising revenue and encourage cord-cutting.

UMG Board Mum On Take-Over Bid

Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square Capital bid to buy Universal Music Group for about $60 billion, offering to merge UMG with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings in a deal that would relocate the combined company’s listing from Amsterdam to the New York Stock Exchange and base it in Nevada.

If approved, the transaction — an unsolicited proposal confirmed by Universal — would close by year-end and create a new entity that Pershing says would address factors it believes have held down UMG’s share price despite a strong music business. Pershing CEO Bill Ackman said the issues are unrelated to UMG’s performance and “can be addressed with this transaction.”

UMG, one of the “big three” record labels with more than 30% of the global recorded-music market, represents artists including Bad Bunny, Taylor Swift, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Kendrick Lamar, Elton John, Coldplay and Billie Eilish.

Universal said its board has “complete confidence” in CEO Sir Lucian Grainge and management and will not comment further while it reviews the proposal.

One of the “big three” record labels alongside Warner Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, it commands a market share of more than 30% of the global recorded-music business.

Singer-Songwriter Ray Stevens Recovering From Broken Neck

Ray Stevens

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ray Stevens, 87, broke his neck in a late‑month fall and is recovering at home after a brief hospitalization, his team said Tuesday. He will wear a neck brace for about a month but “remains fully mobile & in good spirits,” the statement posted on his X account said.

Stevens, known for topical satire and hits including the Grammy-winning “Everything Is Beautiful” and the novelty hit “The Streak,” fell late last month, the statement said. Born Harold Ray Ragsdale, his long career also produced social‑commentary songs like 1961’s “Jeremiah Peabody’s Poly Unsaturated Quick Dissolving Fast Acting Pleasant Tasting Green and Purple Pills.”

His latest album is due Friday on Curb Records. In July, Stevens suffered a mild heart attack and underwent heart surgery, leading to the cancellation of his CabaRay Showroom performances in Nashville while he recovered.

Is Trump Being Misled On Iran War?

War Secretary Pete Hegseth has been accused of misleading President Donald Trump about the Iran war, saying his optimistic briefings have conveyed inaccurate information to the president.

The Washington Post report cites anonymous officials and analysts who say Hegseth’s upbeat public and private statements have led Trump to repeat misleading claims about U.S. performance. “Pete is not speaking the truth,” one official told the paper.

Hegseth has publicly criticized media coverage of the war and asserted U.S. dominance, reports Mediaite.

Critics say his view conflicts with recent battlefield realities. Officials point to Iran’s downing of two U.S. aircraft as evidence Tehran retains significant capability, undercutting claims of decisive U.S. control. Military analyst Kelly Grieco of the Stimson Center summarized the distinction: the U.S. may have “air superiority” in some contexts but not full “air supremacy.”

Trump has publicly touted Operation Epic Fury as a success, declaring U.S. forces are “doing unbelievably well,” language officials say reflects Hegseth’s framing. The dispute raises questions about the accuracy of senior civilian briefings to the president and the potential policy and political consequences of overstatement.

What to watch: any official responses from Hegseth or the War Department, further reporting clarifying the aircraft losses and battlefield assessments, and whether the White House adjusts public messaging or issues clarifications.

Ozen Launches Broadcast-To-Podcast Platform

Ozen.fm has announced the launch of PodcastBot.ai, an AI-powered broadcast-to-podcast platform built specifically for radio groups and broadcasters to convert live programming into polished, on-demand podcast content in minutes. The solution gives stations a powerful way to extend their shows beyond the airwaves, allowing audiences to catch up on missed episodes while unlocking new digital revenue opportunities.

Designed for organizations competing in a digital-first audio economy, the system captures live streams directly from broadcast infrastructure, applies intelligent AI-driven processing, and automatically publishes podcast-ready episodes. With support for multilingual programming; including English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, and Italian, broadcasters worldwide can scale their on-demand presence without increasing operational complexity. The result: expanded distribution, deeper audience engagement, and incremental revenue, all with minimal lift.

At its core is a scalable production engine built for both full-length programming and high-value segments. Standard Show Mode records scheduled broadcasts and converts them into complete podcast episodes automatically. Interview Extraction identifies and isolates guest segments within live programming, refines them, and publishes them as standalone episodes; ideal for highlights, exclusives, and evergreen content that performs strongly across podcast platforms.

The platform delivers true end-to-end automation, including audio capture, intro and outro detection, music removal for rights-safe distribution, sound optimization, and AI-powered transcription. Intelligent ad detection and marker replacement allow broadcasters to insert fresh sponsorships, activate programmatic demand, and monetize podcast inventory independently of terrestrial ad loads.

Seamless integration ensures compatibility with Ozen’s infrastructure as well as third-party streaming and hosting providers. Stations can generate episodes directly from live feeds or apply the same automation to archived material, instantly expanding their digital catalog and monetization potential.

“Radio stations create valuable content every day, yet too much of it disappears after it airs,” said Rodrigo Tigre, Co-Founder and President of Ozen.fm. “This changes that. Broadcasters can reach audiences on more platforms while generating new revenue from content they’re already producing. It’s about expanding distribution, strengthening monetization, and positioning radio for long-term growth.”

Good Morning! Here's The Wednesday Pulse for April 8

Radio Broadcasting

NRG-Usher Media Deal Closes: NRG Media has completed the sale of a group of Nebraska radio stations to Usher Media, marking another step in the company's divestiture of assets in the state. The transaction includes KGFW-AM, KQKY-FM, KRNY-FM, and translator K241CN in Kearney; KROR-FM in Hastings; and KSYZ-FM in Grand Island.

NAB Promotes: The National Association of Broadcasters has appointed Carrie Healey as Vice President of Communications. She will report to Michelle Lehman, Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. In the role, Healey will serve as NAB's primary spokesperson and lead media relations.

Fire Knocks Stations Off-Air:  Eastern Shore Radio “Coastal Country” WESR-AM (1330 AM and FM translator W289CE at 105.7) and adult contemporary “The Shore” WESR-FM (103.3) Onley-Onancock, VA were taken off air Tuesday when a fire destroyed the stations’ transmitter house. The blaze brought fire units from seven nearby communities to the scene and resulted in the loss of the station’s main and auxiliary transmitters.

Layoffs Loom At ESPN

ESPN is preparing a new round of layoffs, roughly 30 positions, mainly off‑camera roles, as the sports network reels from long‑term cord‑cutting, rising rights costs and a costly distribution blackout with YouTube TV last fall, according to Puck news.

Key details from Puck’s reporting

• Scope and timing: Sources told Puck the cuts will be limited (near 30 jobs) and are expected in the coming weeks, focused on behind‑the‑scenes departments rather than top on‑air talent.
• Why now: The story cites three pressures driving the move — sustained subscriber losses as viewers abandon pay TV, escalating rights fees (notably for Monday Night Football), and a roughly two‑week carriage blackout on YouTube TV last fall that executives say produced a roughly $100 million revenue hit for Disney/ESPN.
• Corporate context: Puck also notes uncertainty about ESPN’s strategic future under Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro, including ongoing discussion about potential corporate restructuring or a spin‑off, which is shaping cost‑cutting priorities.

Background and broader pressures

• Cord‑cutting: ESPN’s traditional distribution footprint has shrunk substantially over the past decade, reducing carriage fee revenue that historically underpinned the network’s economics — a core reason legacy sports networks are trimming headcount.
• YouTube TV blackout: Disney and YouTube TV reached a deal in mid‑November after a multi‑day blackout that left millions without ESPN and other Disney channels; coverage at the time documented the disruption and commercial consequences for both sides. Industry accounts and Puck link that blackout directly to the network’s recent unexpected revenue shortfall.

On‑air talent largely appears insulated in this round: reporting indicates the cuts will primarily hit production, technical and other off‑camera roles rather than marquee commentators.

Look for an ESPN or Disney statement and any WARN notices that would specify timing and headcount.

The AP Balks On Early Out for News Chain

The Associated Press has formally warned Lee Enterprises that the regional newspaper chain’s attempt to unilaterally terminate a news-licensing agreement is “not valid,” escalating a dispute that could disrupt local news distribution and licensing revenue.

In a letter to Lee’s leadership, the AP said Lee’s purported cancellation of the contract does not comply with the terms of the existing agreement and therefore has no legal effect, signaling the wire service intends to enforce its rights if Lee proceeds. The move raises the prospect of litigation or arbitration if the parties cannot reach a negotiated resolution.

Lee Enterprises, which owns scores of local newspapers, including the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and The Buffalo News, is among the country’s largest independent local-news chains, had argued it could end the licensing deal amid broader cost pressures and strategic shifts in how it sources and shares national and international reporting. The AP’s response challenges that position and underscores the financial and operational stakes for both organizations.

Industry lawyers note that news-licensing contracts typically include explicit termination clauses and procedures; failure to follow those procedures can render a cancellation ineffective and expose the departing party to claims for breach and damages. The AP’s letter signaled it is prepared to pursue remedies available under the contract and applicable law, though it did not outline specific next steps in public comments.

For Lee, losing access to AP content or being embroiled in protracted legal proceedings could disrupt newsroom workflows and increase costs as the company would need to replace nationally and internationally sourced reporting. The dispute also has implications for other local publishers who rely on syndicated wire reporting while balancing subscription and advertising revenue declines.

Lee has not publicly detailed its planned course of action beyond asserting financial and strategic reasons for reevaluating licensing arrangements; the company did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the AP’s warning. The AP, in turn, emphasized the importance of its licensing relationships to sustaining wide distribution of its reporting to local outlets.

Kidnapped American Journalist Has Been Freed

An American journalist abducted in Baghdad by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraqi militia allied with Iran, was released Tuesday after a week in captivity, the group and two Iraqi security officials said.

Kataib Hezbollah said it freed Shelly Kittleson “in appreciation of the patriotic positions” of Iraq’s prime minister, who it said negotiated her release, and demanded that she leave Iraq immediately. A militia security commander identified as Abu Mujahid Al‑Asaf warned the action “will not be repeated in the future,” saying the group views itself as fighting a “Zionist‑American enemy.”

Two Iraqi security officials corroborated the militia’s account. There was no immediate comment from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

Kataib Hezbollah is one of Iraq’s most powerful militias and is closely linked to Iran’s Quds Force, the overseas arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The abduction of the 49‑year‑old Kittleson is the group’s second known kidnapping of a foreign national in recent years; in 2023 it seized Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was held for more than two years.

Authorities did not disclose where Kittleson was held, whether she was injured, or the precise terms of her release. Next steps typically include medical evaluation and debriefing; officials and her employer may also issue statements as more information becomes available.

Women’s Lifestyle Podcasters Are Winning Influential Audiences

A new Audacy Insights report finds expert-led women’s lifestyle podcasts are drawing highly engaged audiences and producing measurable results for advertisers as listeners favor trusted experts over celebrity influencers.

Audacy’s Power of Influencers Study 2025 shows podcasts covering finance, health, relationships and fitness are building loyal followings by offering practical advice from credentialed hosts—doctors, entrepreneurs and athletes—whose authenticity and expertise stand out in a crowded media landscape. These listeners act more often than general podcast audiences: 47% visited a website after listening, 27% made a purchase and 23% recommended products or services.

The appeal, Audacy says, is relatability. Hosts’ candid, approachable styles create friendships-like connections that let advertisers integrate brands more naturally into conversations aligned with listener interests. The report highlights physician-hosted shows on women’s health and athlete-led programs that mix sports with lifestyle topics, where brand partnerships are embedded as useful information or experiences rather than traditional ad breaks.

Audience composition is shifting too: overall podcast listenership is nearly evenly split by gender, but the lifestyle category skews female and includes many parents. Four in ten female listeners say knowledgeable hosts influence them more than celebrities. In response, advertisers are broadening campaigns across video, social media and live events, using podcast hosts as multi-platform influencers to deepen engagement.

Audacy concludes that women’s lifestyle podcasts are emerging as a powerful, authenticity-driven channel that delivers measurable impact on consumer behavior.

Albuquerque Radio: KKOB Plans “250 Flags” Celebration

In celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States of America, Cumulus Media’s News Radio KKOB is proud to announce “250 Flags,” a statewide initiative designed to recognize and honor 250 individuals who make New Mexico stronger every day.

Starting on Tuesday, April 13, 2026, through Tuesday, April 27, 2026, News Radio KKOB listeners across New Mexico are invited to nominate someone they believe deserves recognition. Honorees can be anyone, living or deceased, known or unknown, in New Mexico who has made a meaningful impact on their community, through service, leadership, sacrifice, or simply showing up when it matters most.

Nominations can be submitted by visiting www.newsradiokkob.com, and providing a photo and a short description explaining why the individual should be honored.

On May 4th, News Radio KKOB will begin announcing honorees, with four individuals recognized each weekday, leading up to a culminating event later this summer. Each selected honoree will receive a commemorative American flag in their honor, symbolizing their contribution to the state and community.

“250 Flags is about recognizing the people who don’t always get the spotlight,” said Aaron “Buck” Burnett, Program Director/Operations Manager for News Radio KKOB. “New Mexico is full of everyday heroes, and this gives us a chance to tell their stories and honor them in a meaningful way.”

The initiative reflects News Radio KKOB’s ongoing commitment to local storytelling, community connection, and celebrating the people who shape New Mexico’s identity. KKOB’s “Partners for Impact,” KOAT-7 and Albuquerque Journal, will join KKOB in promoting this statewide effort.

Supporting partners for “250 Flags” include Mercedes-Benz of Albuquerque; Isleta Resort & Casino; Glasheen, Valles & Inderman, LLP Injury Lawyers; Audi Albuquerque; Thunderbird Harley-Davidson; Enviroworks LLC; Affordable Service Plumbing-Heating-A/C-Electric; Housing New Mexico | MFA; Waterstone Mortgage; Gathering of Nations Powwow; and New Mexicans for Opportunity.

Radio History: April 8

➦In 1922...during the early years of radio, WABC in New York City began experimental broadcasts around this time, though the exact date is debated. While some sources suggest WABC’s first broadcast might align with April 8, 1922, it’s more broadly accepted that the station, initially operated by the American Broadcasting Company (not to be confused with the later ABC network), was part of the rapid proliferation of stations following KDKA’s pioneering 1920 broadcast. On or near this date in 1922, WABC aired a mix of music and talk, marking an early step in New York’s radio landscape. This event reflects the chaotic, innovative spirit of the time, as stations scrambled to establish a foothold without standardized regulations.

➦In 1937...The BBC made strides in international broadcasting when it launched its first foreign-language radio service in Arabic on this date, though some records cite January 3, 1938, as the official start. Assuming the April 8, 1937, date holds in certain contexts, this broadcast from London aimed to counter propaganda from Italy and Germany in the Middle East, airing news and cultural programs. It was a strategic move ahead of World War II, showcasing radio’s growing role in global influence and diplomacy. The service laid groundwork for the BBC’s expansive World Service, though its early reach was limited by rudimentary technology and regional instability.

Bing Crosby

➦In 1948...The Ampex Corporation delivered its first Model 200 magnetic tape recorder to Bing Crosby Enterprises on this date, revolutionizing radio production. Before this, live broadcasts or cumbersome disc recordings dominated. Crosby, a radio superstar, had been pushing for pre-recording capabilities to avoid grueling live schedules. The Model 200, demonstrated in a San Francisco studio, allowed high-quality sound capture on tape, editable and replayable—ushering in a new era of flexibility for shows like Crosby’s Philco Radio Time. This innovation shifted radio from a live-only medium to one where production could be polished, impacting everything from sitcoms to news.

➦In 1961…The BBC banned the Top 40 hit 'A Hundred Pounds of Clay' by Gene McDaniels. The ban arose because the censors interpreted the song as suggesting women were created simply to be sexual beings, and the BBC felt something that was considered blasphemous should not air to avoid controversy.

Larry Norton

➦In 1981...Radio personality Larry "Snortin" Norton completed a publicity stunt. Norton spent 20-plus days on the air at WGRQ-FM in Buffalo. Norton launched his virtually sleepless quest March 19, grabbing only two hours of shut-eye per night to break the record. Norton officially ended with 484 hours on the air, shattering the previous listing in the Guinness Book of World Records of 367 hours.

Norton launched his virtually sleepless quest March 19, grabbing only two hours of shut-eye per night to break the record. Norton officially ended with 484 hours on the air, shattering the previous listing in the Guinness Book of World Records of 367 hours.

➦In 1985…John Frederick Coots died at age 78 (Born - May 2, 1897). He was a songwriter, who composed over 700 popular songs and over a dozen Broadway shows. In 1934, Coots wrote the melody with his then chief collaborator, lyricist Haven Gillespie, for the biggest hit for them both "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town." The song became one of the biggest sellers in American history.

In 1934, when Gillespie brought him the lyrics to "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town", Coots came up with the skeleton of the music in just ten minutes. Coots took the song to his publisher, Leo Feist Inc., who liked it but thought it was "a kids' song" and didn't expect too much from it.  Coots offered the song to Eddie Cantor who used it on his radio show that November and it became an instant hit. The morning after the radio show there were orders for 100,000 copies of sheet music and by Christmas sales had passed 400,000.

➦In 1987...WFIL 560 AM, Philadelphia ended it's 20-year-run as "Famous 56".  Capturing The True Sound Of Famous 56! Click Here To Listen.

In February 1964, Triangle moved the WFIL stations to a new state-of-the-art broadcast center at the corner of City Line and Monument Avenues in Philadelphia, from which WPVI continued to broadcast.

Starting on September 18, 1966, WFIL began playing "Top 40" rock and roll. It quickly became the most successful non-RKO "Boss Radio" formatted station, known locally as "The Pop Music Explosion".