Nancy Guthrie Update: Photos Released Of Possible Suspect

Latest major development: Today, the FBI has released surveillance photos of a potential subject. The images were recovered from residual data in backend systems of the home's Nest doorbell camera, despite the device being tampered with or removed. 

They show an armed individual (appearing masked, possibly carrying tools or a backpack) who seems to have tampered with the camera on the morning of her disappearance

New images in the search for Nancy Guthrie:

Over the last eight days, the FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department have been working closely with our private sector partners to continue to recover any images or video footage from Nancy Guthrie’s home that may have been lost,… pic.twitter.com/z5WLgPtZpT

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) February 10, 2026

The FBI and partners are asking for the public's help in identifying this person. Anyone with information should contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit tips.fbi.gov.

Paramount Sweetens the Pot For WBD

Paramount Skydance has further sweetened its hostile all-cash takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), maintaining the headline price of $30 per share while adding new incentives to pressure WBD's board and shareholders amid competition from a signed deal with Netflix.

The latest amendment, announced Tuesday, introduces a 25-cent-per-share "ticking fee" that would accrue for every quarter the transaction remains unclosed after December 31, 2026. This equates to roughly $650 million in additional cash value paid directly to WBD shareholders per quarter of delay, signaling Paramount's strong confidence in securing swift regulatory approvals.

Paramount has also committed to covering key financial hurdles tied to WBD's existing agreement with Netflix:

• Funding the full $2.8 billion termination fee that WBD would owe Netflix if it terminates that deal to pursue Paramount's offer.
• Fully reimbursing shareholders for an estimated $1.5 billion in potential financing costs related to a debt exchange or refinancing, without reducing Paramount's separate $5.8 billion reverse breakup fee (payable if Paramount walks away).

These enhancements address prior WBD concerns about value leakage, regulatory risks, and deal certainty, while keeping the core $30-per-share price unchanged. Paramount describes its proposal as "superior" to Netflix's all-cash offer (recently adjusted to around $27.75 per share for WBD's studios and streaming assets, with a planned separation of WBD's linear TV networks).

The ongoing battle stems from Paramount's persistent hostile tender offer, launched late last year, which has faced repeated rejections from WBD's board in favor of the Netflix transaction. Paramount extended its tender offer expiration to March 2, 2026, and continues to highlight progress on antitrust clearances, including recent approvals in some jurisdictions and compliance with U.S. Department of Justice requests.

WBD has not yet publicly responded to the amendments, but the moves intensify the pressure on its board to consider the bid as a potential superior proposal under the Netflix merger terms. Shareholders tendered about 42.3 million shares as of early February. The outcome could reshape Hollywood's competitive landscape, pitting a combined Paramount-WBD entity against Netflix and others in streaming and content production.

Audacy To Represent Sonos Streaming Inventory

Audacy and Sonos have announced a strategic partnership that includes Audacy serving as the exclusive U.S. sales and distribution representative for Sonos Radio’s streaming inventory.

Through the partnership, Audacy will leverage its best-in-class sales capabilities, technology and audio expertise to expand Sonos Radio’s advertising business and strengthen monetization across the platform. The partnership reflects Audacy and Sonos’s shared vision of maximizing the power of audio wherever and however people are listening, for both audiences and marketers.

Sonos Radio’s more than 100 stations will also be distributed on the Audacy platform, expanding access to Sonos Radio’s curated music, artist channels, and mood-driven listening experiences. Listeners will be able to discover Sonos Radio stations across the Audacy app and web, with Sonos Radio featured alongside Audacy’s popular owned-and-operated brands. In addition to distribution on the Audacy app and website, Audacy will also distribute Sonos Radio stations across various platforms, including Google Home, Alexa, and Apple Music. Audacy’s complete portfolio of broadcast stations has been available on Sonos devices since 2020.

“Sonos is a pioneer in audio and a natural partner for Audacy as we continually look to expand our reach and leverage our industry-leading sales capabilities,” said Michael Biemolt, President of Digital Sales, Audacy. “We’re excited to bring the Sonos Radio stations across the Audacy platform alongside our leading radio and audio brands. Sonos Radio has built an exceptional listening environment with a loyal, high-value audience, and by leveraging our scale, technology and sales expertise, we’ll help elevate their streaming business. This partnership is a natural fit and an exciting step forward for both companies.”

“At Sonos, our focus is on building a system that delivers great listening experiences and grows with you over time,” said Jack Rutledge, Director, Product Management, Sonos Radio. “By pairing high-quality, curated listening experiences with Audacy’s scale and sales expertise, we’re strengthening the Sonos ecosystem in ways that deepen engagement, expand lifetime value, and create sustainable opportunities for partners and brands to connect with highly engaged listeners.”

Sonos Radio will join the Audacy Digital Audience Network (ADAN), gaining access to advanced ad-decisioning, programmatic connectivity, and a proven framework for maximizing sell-through rates and premium CPMs. These capabilities are powered by Audacy’s AmperWave platform, which hosts and monetizes more than 2,300 digital audio stations and supports over 15 premium inventory partners, including major sports leagues, broadcasters, and news networks.

The partnership with Sonos Radio continues Audacy’s momentum in forging strategic alliances with high-performing brands that deepen listener engagement and expand advertiser opportunities. Recently, Audacy has announced major collaborations with iHeartMedia and TuneIn to broaden distribution, with Jomboy Media to introduce creator-driven sports content to broadcast radio, and with MOGL to modernize sports marketing through athlete-influencer integrations. Adding Sonos Radio to this roster reinforces Audacy’s commitment to building a robust ecosystem of premium audio experiences across platforms, audiences and content formats.

Digital Revenue Hits $2.3 Billion In 2025

Digital advertising revenue for the radio industry hit $2.3 billion in 2025, representing 25% (one-quarter) of all radio advertising revenue and helping stabilize overall industry sales, according to the Radio Advertising Bureau’s (RAB) 14th Annual Digital Benchmarking Report, produced by Borrell Associates Inc.

The report forecasts digital revenue growth accelerating slightly in 2026 to 9.5% (from 7.8% in 2025), pushing the total to $2.5 billion. In 2025, the average radio station generated $511,873 in digital revenue, while the average market cluster brought in $2,263,431. Digital accounted for 24.4% of total nationwide radio revenue.Digital growth has offset declines in traditional core radio advertising. Since 2022, digital revenue has compounded at 8.3% annually, while core radio ad sales have fallen 2.2%.

Industry leaders emphasize digital's evolution from a supplementary offering to radio's main engine for revenue stability and expansion.

• 
  Mike Hulvey, RAB president and CEO: Advertisers increasingly value radio’s digital tools as part of its marketing toolbox, with digitally savvy marketers seeking to reach customers across platforms.
• Gordon Borrell, Borrell Associates CEO: With three-quarters of radio buyers not yet using stations’ digital products, major growth remains ahead for those proving a combined radio-plus-digital approach delivers superior results.
• Jimshade Chaudhari, Marketron CEO: Top performers focus on advertiser results through operational discipline and scalable integrated campaigns, not just products.Digital success is spreading more evenly across stations, though the top 5% of clusters still generate 3–4 times more digital revenue than averages in comparable markets. Strong performers train sales teams frequently, mandate digital inclusion in pitches, and excel in video and streaming.

The report notes a shift in local advertising: Local businesses now employ far more in-house marketing professionals than a dozen years ago—three times as many decision-makers— and these marketers are more experienced. Local advertisers still prize radio’s branding and ROI but often find it hard to measure, driving budgets toward accountable options like streaming audio/video and digitally trackable campaigns that blend radio’s strengths with measurability.

AI tools are seeing rapid adoption in radio sales for better prospecting and client communication efficiency, though concerns persist that AI media recommendations could bypass radio without stronger digital positioning and measurement.

Overall, the findings position digital as radio’s primary growth driver, with substantial untapped potential for stations that execute integrated strategies effectively.

FL Radio: Marc Media Acquires 5 Stations

MARC Radio has expanded its footprint in Florida by acquiring five radio stations along the mid-coastal region from Melbourne to Stuart, extending its coverage more than 100 miles along Interstate 95 and marking its entry into the Fort Pierce-Stuart-Vero Beach market (also known as the Treasure Coast).

The acquisition brings MARC Radio's total portfolio to 16 stations across four Florida markets: Gainesville-Ocala, Orlando, Melbourne-Titusville-Cocoa (Space Coast), and now the Treasure Coast/Space Coast extension. The newly added stations serve the growing Space Coast and Treasure Coast regions with a diverse mix of formats:

• Adult Contemporary (AC): WGYL-FM (93.7, Hot AC in Vero Beach)
• Adult Hits: WJKD-FM (99.7, "Jack FM" in Vero Beach)
• Soft AC: WOSN-FM (97.1, "The Ocean" in Vero Beach)
• Country: WPHR-FM (94.7, "B-94.7" in Gifford/Vero Beach area)
• News/Talk: WTTB-FM (105.7, translator simulcast) and WTTB-AM (1490, Vero Beach)

The deal, valued at $6 million and filed in late 2025 (with reports emerging in September/October 2025), was purchased from sellers including Vero Beach Broadcasters and R&S Radio LLC. 

It includes a $1 million promissory note for financing and a three-year non-compete agreement for the sellers, who are exiting radio ownership."

As a Florida-based company, we've had our eye on this market's potential," said Scott Miller, Chief Revenue Officer of MARC Radio. He highlighted the area's strong population and economic growth, particularly the northward expansion from the Miami-Fort Lauderdale corridor, as key drivers behind the strategic purchase.

Miller emphasized that MARC Radio adopts a selective approach to acquisitions, targeting properties aligned with long-term growth. The company plans to invest in the stations to enhance operations, improve service to listeners, and deliver greater value to advertisers in these dynamic coastal communities.

Broadcast Ownership Rules Showdown

The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee is holding a hearing today on the decades-old national television ownership rule that caps broadcasters' reach at 39% of U.S. TV households, with representatives from major broadcasters and conservative network Newsmax clashing over whether to lift or retain the limit.

The rule, dating back 85 years, is under scrutiny amid shifting media consumption toward streaming and digital platforms. Witnesses include National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) CEO Curtis LeGeyt, who will urge Congress to eliminate the "antiquated restriction" to allow broadcasters to better compete for audiences, advertising, and programming against unregulated Big Tech companies. LeGeyt argues the cap unfairly hampers local stations, reducing revenue needed to fund local journalism as ad dollars move online.

 For radio, stakeholders hope for relief from 30-year-old local ownership limits, which cap the number of stations one entity can own in a market (e.g., up to 8 in large markets, with subcaps on AM/FM).

Opposing that view, Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy will testify that the cap "remains one of the last meaningful protections for competition and diversity in the broadcast and cable ecosystem." He warns that raising it would lead to massive consolidation, allowing "two or three corporations" to eventually control most or all U.S. television stations and, by extension, local news.

The debate ties into a pending $3.54 billion (now reportedly referenced as higher in some contexts) proposed acquisition of Tegna by Nexstar Media Group, which would create the largest U.S. regional TV operator but exceed the current cap—potentially requiring regulatory changes.

President Donald Trump endorsed the Nexstar-Tegna merger in a recent social media post, and FCC Chair Brendan Carr echoed support, criticizing the power of national networks like Comcast and Disney while calling for "real competition."However, Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez emphasized that only Congress—not the FCC—can change the statutory cap, which she said reflects lawmakers' judgment against excessive concentration that threatens competition, localism, and viewpoint diversity.

Sen. Maria Cantwell, the top Democrat on the Commerce Committee, warned Reuters that raising the cap would "accelerate the consolidation that's already hollowed out local newsrooms."The hearing, titled “We Interrupt This Program: Media Ownership in the Digital Age,” is convened by Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to examine whether the rules still fit today's media landscape.

Spotify Reaches 290M Premium Users

Spotify reached a major milestone today, announcing that its Premium subscriber base grew to 290 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, up 10% year-over-year and beating company guidance by about 1 million. The music streaming giant added 9 million net Premium subscribers during the quarter.

The strong results also included record user growth and improved profitability. Monthly active users (MAUs) hit 751 million, an 11% increase year-over-year, with a historic 38 million net adds—the highest quarterly figure in Spotify's history (exceeding guidance by roughly 8 million). Ad-supported MAUs rose 12% to 476 million.

Total revenue reached approximately €4.53 billion (about $5.3 billion USD), up 7% as reported or 13% on a constant-currency basis. Premium revenue grew 8% to €4.01 billion, while ad-supported revenue declined 4% to €518 million. Gross margin improved to 33.1% (from 32.2% a year earlier), and operating income climbed to €701 million (up significantly year-over-year). 

The company posted a net income profit of around €1.17 billion for the quarter.

These figures contributed to Spotify achieving its second consecutive full year of operating profit in 2025, totaling roughly $2.5 billion annually. Executives described 2025 as the "Year of Accelerated Execution" and positioned 2026 as the "Year of Raising Ambition," citing momentum from features like podcasts, audiobooks, personalized recommendations, and recent price adjustments in markets including the US.

The news drove positive market reaction, with Spotify's stock (SPOT) rising sharply in pre-market trading.

Good Morning! Let's Check the Pulse for Tuesday, Feb 10

Radio Broadcasting

Senate Commerce Committee Hearing on Broadcast Media Ownership: Chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), the full committee hearing is taking place today at 10:00 AM EST in the Russell Senate Office Building. It examines the FCC outdated broadcast media ownership rules, particularly the national cap limiting a single broadcaster from reaching more than 39% of U.S. television households.

• Context and Debate: The rules, dating back decades, aimed to promote competition and diversity in media. With the rise of streaming services, social media, and digital platforms shifting how Americans consume content, proponents (including the National Association of Broadcasters or NAB) argue the cap is antiquated and hinders broadcasters' ability to compete for audiences, advertising, and programming. Critics, including representatives from Newsmax, contend it remains a key protection for competition, diversity, and voices in the ecosystem (with some concerns about impacts on conservative media).
• Testimony Highlights: FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty recently defended deregulation, stating it would boost competition. The NAB is pushing to eliminate or level the restriction, while others warn congressional action may be needed since the cap is statutory.
• Relevance to Radio: While the 39% cap specifically targets national TV reach, broader ownership deregulation discussions often affect radio (e.g., local market rules, cross-ownership). Industry groups like the NAB represent both TV and radio, and changes could influence consolidation trends in radio broadcasting.

Digital Revenue Growth: Radio's digital advertising revenue reached a record $2.3 billion in 2025 (per RAB/Borrell Associates), now ~25% of total revenue and seen as the "primary growth engine." Forecasts predict 9.5% growth to $2.5 billion in 2026.

Media Industry:

Hollywood Labor Negotiations Kick Off: SAG-AFTRA began contract talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) under a media blackout. Unions seek stronger AI protections and improved streaming residuals following the 2023 strikes. Contracts expire May 1 (writers) and June 30 (actors), raising concerns about potential disruptions in a changed industry landscape (reported in The New York Times, Variety).

Court TV Sale Announced: E.W. Scripps is selling Court TV (known for live trial coverage) to the parent company of Law&Crime (Dan Abrams' network). The buyer aims to expand its streaming presence, reflecting shifts from traditional cable to digital (NYT DealBook).

Broader Trends and Notes:

• AI's role in advertising drew criticism after underwhelming Super Bowl 2026 spots, with viewers favoring humor/emotion over tech-driven ads (WSJ).
• Ongoing discussions in media circles include fragmentation in liberal outlets ahead of 2028 elections and regulatory scrutiny (e.g., FCC probes into shows like "The View").

U-S News

Trump Threatens to Block New U.S.-Canada Bridge Opening: President Donald Trump has threatened to prevent the opening of a new Canadian-built bridge across the Detroit River (linking Ontario and Michigan), escalating trade disputes. He demands the U.S. be "fully compensated" for past contributions, framing it as part of broader cross-border trade issues. This has drawn attention amid his push for tariffs and renegotiated deals, with potential impacts on Midwest commerce and relations with Canada.

Record Snow Drought in the Western U.S. Sparks Water and Wildfire Fears:  A historic snow drought combined with unusual heat is gripping much of the American West (including states like Colorado, Nevada, and California). This depletes mountain snowpack critical for spring runoff, raising alarms about severe water shortages, reduced reservoirs (e.g., Colorado River system), heightened wildfire risk, and disruptions to winter tourism/recreation. Experts warn of a potentially devastating spring and summer.

Ghislaine Maxwell Appeals for Clemency from Trump:  Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted in the Jeffrey Epstein case, declined to answer House lawmakers' questions but signaled willingness to testify that neither Trump nor former President Clinton engaged in wrongdoing related to Epstein—if Trump grants her clemency. Her lawyer emphasized she could provide an "unfiltered truth." This ties into ongoing Epstein-related scrutiny and political maneuvering.

Winter Olympics 2026 Coverage (Ongoing in Milano-Cortina, Italy):  Day 4 of the 2026 Winter Olympics features U.S. athletes, including Mikaela Shiffrin in women's Alpine events and mixed doubles curling progress. Coverage includes reactions to Trump comments on athletes (e.g., calling skier Hunter Hess a "loser" for ambivalence about representing the U.S.), with some protests over U.S. policies like sending ICE agents to the Games.

Poll: Conservatives Oppose Nexstar, Tegna Deal

A rational poll conducted and released by Public Opinion Strategies (a prominent Republican-leaning polling firm, often working with GOP candidates and causes), shows conservative oppose the merge of Nexstar and Tegna.

The poll focused on Republican primary voters' views regarding media consolidation, specifically in the context of the proposed Nexstar Media Group acquisition of TEGNA (a $6.2 billion deal involving numerous local TV stations across the U.S.).

This polling comes amid ongoing debates over broadcast ownership rules, FCC regulations, and a recent reversal by President Donald Trump, who had previously opposed aspects of such large mergers but endorsed this one in early February 2026, arguing it could help local broadcasters compete with Big Tech and streaming platforms.

Key findings from the Public Opinion Strategies survey include:

• 68% opposed the Nexstar-TEGNA merger, with only 7% supporting it. Opposition reportedly jumped even higher (to 96%) when respondents were informed about potential implications, such as reduced local control or impacts on news quality.
• 83% of respondents believed local TV stations should be locally owned, emphasizing the importance of community ties and independent local journalism.
• Only 2% preferred local stations to be owned by major corporate entities.
• 75% opposed large corporate/national TV groups buying up local TV stations, reflecting broader resistance to consolidation that could centralize ownership and potentially affect local news coverage, programming decisions, or competition.

The poll highlights a strong preference among Republican base voters for preserving local ownership and local news integrity, viewing heavy corporate consolidation as a threat (e.g., to diverse voices, conservative media access, or community-focused reporting). This sentiment aligns with some conservative media outlets (like Newsmax) criticizing the merger for risking higher cable bills, less competition, and harm to local/conservative content.

Note that this contrasts with some other recent surveys on broader voter attitudes toward broadcast ownership caps (e.g., a December 2025 poll showing general opposition to loosening FCC rules on consolidation, and a January/February 2026 NAB-commissioned survey arguing the current 39% national reach cap unfairly disadvantages local broadcasters vs. unregulated Big Tech).

Commissioner Defends Overhaul of Media Ownershgip Rules

FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty has strongly defended the FCC's push to overhaul outdated media ownership rules, arguing they hinder broadcasters' ability to compete for advertising revenue and reinvest in local news and communities.

In a recent fireside chat at the Brookings Institution's Center for Technology Innovation with Senior Fellow Nicole Turner-Lee, Trusty stated that the agency aims to "modernize our broadcast regulatory framework and empower broadcasters to compete for viewers for programming and ad revenues and reinvest those resources into their news gathering operations, hopefully with the ability to expand access to local content and communities across the country."

She credited FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's "Delete, Delete, Delete" initiative for driving the elimination of "outdated, unnecessary, and unworkable rules" to foster investment, innovation, and competition.

Broadcasters, including the NAB and radio groups, have long contended in the ongoing 2022 Quadrennial Review that local radio ownership caps harm the industry. They argue radio now competes with unregulated digital platforms for audience, ads, and capital—not just other stations—making current limits damaging in today's marketplace.

Trusty highlighted related FCC proceedings on media ownership, the next-generation TV standard (ATSC 3.0), and network-affiliate relationships, all tied to ensuring broadcasters meet public interest obligations.

Citing a recent Gallup poll showing trust in media at a record low of 28% (down from 31% the prior year and 40% five years ago), Trusty emphasized the FCC's statutory duty to enforce rules like avoiding broadcast hoaxes, providing equal time opportunities, and not distorting news—guided by facts, precedent, law, and the First Amendment.

On AI policy, following a new directive from President Trump, Trusty warned that a patchwork of state laws could create "haves and have-nots," with heavy regulation stifling investment in some states while lighter approaches attract it elsewhere. She advocated for a national framework to offer predictability, reduce compliance costs, and support innovation.

Reflecting on her legacy, Trusty hopes the current FCC era will be "defined by results"—connecting more people, improving infrastructure resiliency and security, and positioning the U.S. to lead in local broadcasting and beyond.

Tucson Radio: Bill Stewart Named SVPP For iHM

iHeartMedia Tucson has announced Bill Stewart has been named Senior Vice President of Programming, effective immediately. He will report to Tony Manero, Area Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia’s Southwest Area, and work closely with Southwest Area President Steve Earnhart.

Bill Stewart

“We’re excited to have Bill join our team in Tucson,” said Earnhart. “He brings a deep understanding of how to build strong, relevant brands that connect with listeners and communities. His leadership and programming vision will continue to elevate our stations and deliver compelling content that reflects the energy, culture, and voice of Tucson.”

Stewart joins the Tucson market from iHeartMedia’s Spokane cluster, where he most recently served as the Senior Vice President of Programming. He will continue with some of those responsibilities in the Spokane market, including on-air at 98.9 (KKZX-FM) The Classic Rock Station, and mornings at Magic 98.9 (KYMG-FM) in Anchorage.

“iHeartMedia’s Tucson stations play a powerful role in people’s daily lives,” said Stewart. “These stations are trusted voices in Southern Arizona. My focus is to continue to deliver great music and engaging local content that reflects the spirit of this community and gives listeners something they can rely on every day.”

Megyn Kelly: Bad Bunny Was 'Middle Finger' To America

Podcaster and Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly sharply criticized Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance during a heated interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored on February 9, 2026, calling the all-Spanish set "a middle finger to the rest of America."

Kelly, appearing the day after Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) headlined Super Bowl LX on February 8, argued the show should remain a "unifying event for the country" and "quintessentially American," prioritizing English to appeal to the majority of viewers. 

She stated there are about 40 million Spanish speakers in the U.S. but 310 million who don't speak it, and emphasized, "Football is OURS!" She also labeled Bad Bunny an "ICE or America hater" and complained about other elements like the pre-show performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing."

Piers Morgan countered that the U.S. has no official language and praised the performance as high-quality theater, while noting inclusivity in past events.

🔥 Megyn Kelly BLASTS Bad Bunny in HEATED interview with Piers Morgan: “To get up there and perform the whole show in SPANISH is a middle finger to the rest of America.” pic.twitter.com/qRp4UcRGzh

— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) February 9, 2026

The viral clip drew widespread backlash online, with many calling Kelly's remarks narrow-minded, xenophobic, or out of touch with America's multicultural society. Supporters in conservative circles echoed her views on cultural unity and English dominance in national events.

Bad Bunny's historic set—as the first solo male Latin artist to headline—celebrated Puerto Rican culture through elements like sugar cane fields, casitas, and guests including Ricky Martin, Karol G, and others. It drew record viewership and broad praise for its energy and representation of Latin music, though it sparked debate over language and inclusion in mainstream American entertainment. 

The full segment is available on Piers Morgan Uncensored's YouTube channel.

The Last Hurrah for The Eagles Could be 2026

Don Henley, the 78-year-old co-founder, drummer, singer, and songwriter of the legendary rock band the Eagles, has indicated that 2026 will likely mark the end of the group's storied run after more than five decades.

In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Henley expressed that retirement appeals to him and that the band appears to be approaching its conclusion."You know, I think this year will probably be it," Henley said in a clip from the interview. 

"I’ve said things like that before, but I feel like we’re getting toward the end, and that will be fine too.

"When pressed directly on whether 2026 would be the end for the Eagles, he affirmed, "I think so, yeah."

The comments come amid the band's ongoing residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, a high-tech venue where they have been performing extended shows under the banner of "The Long Goodbye."  The current run, which began last year, is scheduled to wrap up in late March 2026, with additional dates potentially extending into the spring and including appearances like the New Orleans Jazz Fest in May. Henley has previously teased retirement multiple times, but he described this moment as feeling more definitive, citing the natural progression of time and the band's long career.

The Eagles formed in 1971 and rose to fame with timeless hits such as "Hotel California," "Take It Easy," "Desperado," and "Lyin' Eyes." Their first Greatest Hits compilation, released in 1976, remains the best-selling album of all time in the United States. 

The band has sold tens of millions of records, earned multiple Grammys, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.Henley's remarks reflect on the group's "miraculous run" while honoring the legacy of late co-founder Glenn Frey, who passed away in 2016. 

The current lineup includes Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, Deacon Frey (Glenn's son), and Vince Gill, who joined after Frey's death to help continue the band's live performances.

While no official farewell tour has been formally announced beyond the existing commitments, Henley's candid statements suggest fans may want to catch remaining 2026 shows, as this could be the final chapter for one of classic rock's most enduring acts. Henley emphasized he doesn't want a "one-dimensional life" and appears at peace with stepping away from the stage.

NextTraffic, Gives Broadcasters Control of Automation

NextKast, developer of the all-in-one automation platform NextKast OnAir, has announced the launch of NextTraffic, a built-in traffic and billing system designed to simplify operations and reduce costs for independent radio broadcasters. NextTraffic is fully integrated into the NextKast OnAir platform and serves as a complete alternative to third-party traffic systems for broadcasters seeking an all-in-one solution. For stations already using an external traffic system, NextKast OnAir continues to support seamless third-party traffic integration — a capability the platform has provided for more than a decade—allowing broadcasters to choose the workflow that best fits their operation.

Unlike traditional traffic solutions that require separate software, exports, and manual reconciliation, NextTraffic is fully integrated into NextKast OnAir, automating the entire advertising workflow from client order to proof-of-play and invoicing. The result is a single, streamlined system that eliminates third-party traffic software while keeping revenue flowing with minimal staff involvement.

“For independent broadcasters, traffic and billing are often the most time-consuming and frustrating parts of the business,” said Winston Potgieter, Founder and Lead Developer of NextKast. “We built NextTraffic so stations can spend less time managing ads and more time growing revenue. The system doesn’t just manage traffic; it lets ads manage themselves!”

At the core of NextTraffic is a patent-pending Traffic Tag System that embeds a unique, data-rich tag into every commercial. Each tag contains all scheduling information — including advertiser, campaign details, dates, rates, and frequency — allowing ads to be automatically scheduled, verified, and logged without spreadsheets, manual logs, or reconciliation. Using the embedded traffic tag, a single ad can be sent to one or multiple stations and automatically schedule itself based on its campaign parameters.

For independent broadcasters with lean teams, this means fewer errors, instant accountability, and reliable proof-of-play without additional staff or software, when NextTraffic is used with the NextKast OnAir system.

For more information, broadcasters can visit https://www.nextkast.com/onAir/ or email wp@nextkast.com.

Industry To Observe World Radio Day 2026

World Radio Day 2026 is observed on February 13, 2026, which falls this Friday. This international observance, proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011 and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, celebrates radio as a powerful medium for information, education, entertainment, and connecting communities worldwide. The date marks the anniversary of when United Nations Radio was established in 1946.

The theme for 2026 is "Radio and Artificial Intelligence", with the key slogan "AI is a tool, not a voice." 

This year's focus explores how AI can serve as an opportunity for innovation and growth in radio broadcasting—such as aiding in content production, archiving, accessibility, and efficiency—while emphasizing the irreplaceable human elements like warmth, trust, reliability, and authentic storytelling that radio audiences value. UNESCO stresses that technology alone doesn't build trust; human broadcasters do.

UNESCO encourages radio stations and professionals to approach AI ethically and creatively, without letting it replace the human touch. 

Resources include free AI training sessions, opportunities to register events on the official World Radio Day map, and "13 Ideas for Celebrating 13 February" to inspire on-air programs and activities.

Events and participation are expected globally, with goals including mobilizing over 170 countries, involving 1,000+ radio stations, and organizing hundreds of events. Organizations like Digital Radio Mondiale are contributing through special training and broadcasts showcasing AI-enabled applications, such as e-learning via digital radio in areas without internet access.

Radio History: Feb 10

Jimmy Durante 1947

➦In 1893...singer/comedian Jimmy Durante was born in New York City.  His distinctive vocal personality made him a natural star in bigtime radio, and later TV.  He was still headlining a weekly TV show as late as 1969 when he was in his late 70’s (Jimmy Durante Presents the Lennon Sisters.) Famous for the sign-off, “Good night Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are.”  He died of pneumonia Jan 29, 1980 at age 86.

➦In 1925...WTIC-AM in Hartford, CT signed-on with 500 watts of power from the 6th floor of the Travelers 26 Grove St building in Hartford where there were seven studios, most or all with control rooms. The station was licensed to the Travelers Insurance Company ("TIC") and had studios in downtown Hartford.

The 1931 CT State Register shows WTIC, owned by Travelers Broadcasting Service, operating on 1060 Khz with 50,000 watts, the most powerful station in the state.  The transmitter, referred to as "old number one" was the first 50,000 watt transmitter ever manufactured by RCA and has serial number 001. This RCA 50 transmitter was the first high power commercial transmitter to use 100-kilowatt tubes, the first to use mercury-vapor type rectifiers throughout, and the first capable of true 100 percent modulation of its full rated 50-kilowatt carrier output.

By 1941 they had changed frequency to 1080 khz.  WTIC is now owned by Audacy Communications.

WTIC was known for its historic time tone, which is a broadcast of the Morse code letter "V" every hour on the hour since 1943. This makes it one of the oldest continuously broadcasting radio time tones in the world. WTIC employs a GPS master clock system that fires the custom-built time-tone generator shortly before the top of the hour, timed such that the final tone of the sequence occurs precisely on the hour (Even though everything else heard on the station is on a 10-second delay), and listeners have been setting their watches to WTIC for many years. The notes of the sequence were pitched to mimic the famous opening sequence of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, whose "short-short-short-long" rhythm matches that of the Morse code letter "V". The Morse code letter "V" for Victory was selected during the height of WWII.

Bob Steele

WTIC's best-known personality was Bob Steele, who started with the station in 1936 and stayed with WTIC for his entire sixty-six year career, ending with his death on December 6, 2002 at the age of 91.

Steele continued to broadcast a 5:30 - 10:00 AM Monday-Saturday morning show for WTIC for fifty-five years, scaling back to Saturdays only after September 1991; by the time of his last broadcast in November 2002, he was only heard on the first Saturday morning of every month. Despite WTIC's various format changes over the years, Steele's show (which featured musical standards, farm news and prices early in the morning, novelty songs, silly jokes, horrible puns ("...and the weather for Mexico City is chili today, hot tamale") and a regular "Word of the Day" segment - even long after WTIC itself had abandoned music for a focus on news/talk remained unchanged throughout its run, making it perhaps the longest-running radio program in history to have never undergone a significant format change.

➦In 1964...Personality Johnny Holliday started at 1010 WINS.  He hosted the station's final music broadcast in 1965. This led him west to Top 40 giant KYA in San Francisco where in 1965, Holliday was named America's number one disc jockey by the Bill Gavin Radio "Gavin Report." His radio work is featured in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In connection with the station he hosted record hops and concerts, including co-hosting the final concert by the Beatles at Candlestick Park in 1966.