Taco Tuesday: But First The Pulse For May 12

Radio Broadcasting:

Digital Surge: iHeartMedia, Inc. released its first-quarter 2026 financial results Monday, posting growth across several key digital sectors despite ongoing pressures in traditional broadcast advertising. Podcast revenue delivered the strongest performance, jumping 27% year-over-year to $147 million, making it the primary growth driver for the company’s Digital Audio Group.

RTN To Acquire 3 Stations: Cumulus Media has sold Atlanta’s 97.9 FM to a Christian radio network, marking the third time in seven years a Christian broadcaster has taken over a local FM signal. The buyer is Lakeland, Florida-based Radio Training Network, which will flip the station to Joy FM, a contemporary Christian pop format, once the FCC approves the deal. Besides 97.9 FM, RTN will also acquire Classic Country “93.3 Nash Icon” WWFF-FM New Market/Huntsville AL, and Sports “100.5 The Game” WWFN-FM Marion/Florence SC. for a reported total of $2.45 million.

Red Apple Expands: Red Apple Media has reached a deal to acquire News Talk Radio 830 WCRN in Worcester, Massachusetts, from Carter Broadcasting for $1.45 million — its first station in the state and a major expansion into New England.

Media Industry:

Gomez Criticizes:  Commissioner Anna Gomez criticized the FCC for trying to curtail press freedom in a letter sent today to Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro and viewed by WSJ. The lone Democratic commissioner, Gomez has been an outspoken critic of FCC Chair Brendan Carr, a Republican. The letter comes after several FCC investigations into Disney and its network ABC, including whether the talk show “The View” should continue to be granted certain exemptions as a news program. Disney declined to comment.

Television: Wordle is set to become a prime-time NBC game show, with Savannah Guthrie, the “Today” show anchor, as host.

Allen Increases Stake In BuzzFeed: Byron Allen is acquiring a majority stake in BuzzFeed for $120 million and taking over as CEO. BuzzFeed said Monday it has entered into a transaction agreement with Allen Family Digital, an affiliate of Allen’s family office, under which the company will receive a majority investment.  BuzzFeed founder and CEO Jonah Peretti will be succeeded by Allen, who will become chairman and chief executive officer.

U-S News:

Relief At The Pump: Trump supports suspending the federal gasoline tax to address a fuel-prices surge driven by the Iran war. The tax should be paused “until it’s appropriate,” the president said. The average nationwide cost of one gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is roughly $4.50, according to AAA. One year ago, it was $3.14. Any effort to suspend the gas tax would require congressional approval. Sen. Josh Hawley (R., Mo.) said he’d introduce a bill to suspend the 18 cent-per-gallon tax. Democrats have endorsed similar legislation.

Huntavirus Outbreak: U.S. authorities said they had quarantined 18 American passengers from the cruise ship struck by a rare hantavirus outbreak, after one of them tested positive and another showed symptoms. A French woman also tested positive for the virus after showing symptoms during her flight home, the country’s health minister said. None of the people on board the MV Hondius had symptoms when the cruise ship was anchored off Tenerife near northwest Africa. Since the outbreak began, three people have died and five individuals who disembarked earlier were confirmed to have been infected.

SCOTUS Gets VA Appeal: Democratic leaders in Virginia asked the Supreme Court Monday to allow the state to use a congressional map drawn by Democrats and approved by voters in a referendum in April. The state’s attorney general urged the justices to overturn a decision by the Virginia Supreme Court, which ruled last week that the redistricting process had violated the state’s Constitution, a major setback for Democrats in a fierce battle over which party will control the U.S. House.

iHM Reports Podcast Revenue Surges 27% to $147M

iHeartMedia, Inc. released its first-quarter 2026 financial results Monday, posting growth across several key digital sectors despite ongoing pressures in traditional broadcast advertising.

Podcast revenue delivered the strongest performance, jumping 27% year-over-year to $147 million, making it the primary growth driver for the company’s Digital Audio Group.

The company reported overall consolidated revenue growth in the quarter, supported by gains in digital audio and podcast advertising. Digital operations continued to expand as a share of the business, offsetting softer performance in legacy radio segments amid a cautious advertising market.

iHeartMedia’s results highlight the accelerating shift toward digital audio consumption. Podcasts remain a bright spot, benefiting from strong advertiser demand, expanded content partnerships, and iHeart’s position as a leading U.S. podcast network by audience size.

Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman emphasized the momentum in digital segments and the company’s strategy to leverage programmatic advertising, local sales forces, and premium podcast inventory.

Digital audio, particularly podcasts, drives industry gains. iHeartMedia reported podcast revenue up 27% to $147 million in Q1 2026 (earlier figures showed even higher year-over-year jumps in prior quarters). Programmatic advertising, dynamic ad insertion, and host-read sponsorships have matured, delivering strong ROI. Brands increasingly view podcasts as a high-intent channel, with many reporting higher purchase likelihood from listeners.

iHeartMedia operates one of the largest radio station groups in the U.S. alongside a major digital audio platform that includes iHeartRadio, podcasts, and streaming services. The company has focused on transitioning from traditional broadcast revenue to higher-growth digital and podcast streams in recent years.

Atlanta Radio Update: Cumulus Sells 3 Signals

Cumulus Media has sold Atlanta’s 97.9 FM to a Christian radio network, marking the third time in seven years a Christian broadcaster has taken over a local FM signal.

The buyer is Lakeland, Florida-based Radio Training Network, which will flip the station to Joy FM, a contemporary Christian pop format, once the FCC approves the deal.

Besides 97.9 FM, RTN will also acquire Classic Country “93.3 Nash Icon” WWFF-FM New Market/Huntsville AL, and Sports “100.5 The Game” WWFN-FM Marion/Florence SC. for a reported total of $2.45 million.

The 97.9 signal currently airs classic hip-hop as OG 97.9, featuring Atlanta artist Chubb Rock. That programming will relocate to the weaker 98.9 signal, which has been simulcasting the rock station 99X.The acquisition gives Joy FM, already heard in Atlanta on 93.3, a stronger signal inside I-285 to better cover the core market. Joy FM has operated on 93.3 since 1998 with a more southside focus. 

The network also has signals in Gainesville (100.3), Lawrenceville (92.5), Columbus (102.1), and Macon/Warner Robins (102.1).

Commissioner Accuses FCC of Weaponizing Investigations

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez has sharply criticized her own agency for what she calls an intensified regulatory campaign against Disney and ABC, including probes into the network’s handling of “The View,” diversity policies, and its moderation of the 2024 presidential debate, The Wall Street Journal reported.

In a letter, Gomez said the pressure escalated after ABC settled a defamation lawsuit filed by President Trump over comments made by “Good Morning America” anchor George Stephanopoulos.

“That settlement did not buy you peace,” Gomez wrote. “You cannot buy this Administration’s favor. 

For the right price, you can only borrow it. And the price always goes up.”

Anna Gomez

Gomez accused the FCC of reviving a previously dismissed complaint alleging ABC violated federal “news distortion” rules during the 2024 Trump-Harris debate. Agency staff had initially rejected the complaint on First Amendment grounds before it was reopened under the current leadership.

She also claimed the administration used regulatory pressure in an attempt to force Disney to remove late-night host Jimmy Kimmel after he repeatedly mocked Trump and first lady Melania Trump. Disney briefly removed Kimmel before reinstating him amid public backlash.  “The goal was clear: use regulatory pressure to force his removal from the air,” Gomez wrote.

Additionally, Gomez condemned the FCC’s unusual decision to require Disney-owned ABC affiliates to file early license renewals, calling it “the most egregious assault on the First Amendment this FCC has taken to date.” 

Fox Acquires 2 NFL Games, Ad Revenue Drops

Fox has secured two additional NFL regular-season games for the 2026-27 season, the company announced Monday during its quarterly earnings call with analysts.

One game will be an international matchup in Munich featuring the Detroit Lions against a yet-to-be-determined opponent. The second game is scheduled for a Saturday late in the season, with teams still to be announced.

The additions come as Fox’s relationship with the NFL has grown strained in recent months. The league has shifted more games to streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, prompting concerns from Fox leadership about the impact on traditional broadcast networks. Fox Chairman Emeritus Rupert Murdoch has publicly raised alarms over this migration, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Digital Revenue Hits New High For Townsquare Media

Townsquare Media posted mixed first-quarter 2026 results Monday, with a modest year-over-year revenue decline offset by strong digital growth that pushed digital operations to record shares of both revenue and profit.

Net revenue for the quarter ended March 31 totaled $96.8 million, down 1.9% from the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA fell 9.7% to $16.4 million. However, the company swung to a net income of $3.0 million, a $4.5 million improvement from a $1.5 million net loss in Q1 2025.

Digital operations drove the performance, generating record highs of 59% of total net revenue and 63% of segment profit. Digital revenue rose 1.8% overall, while digital advertising revenue climbed 6.8%. These gains were fueled by programmatic advertising, media partnerships, and growth in local owned-and-operated digital properties.

Baltimore Radio: 98 Rock’s Amelia to Retire

98 Rock's Amelia

Amelia, one of Baltimore radio’s most recognizable and enduring personalities, announced Monday that she will retire from 98 Rock (WIYY) at the end of 2026.

A fixture at the station since returning full-time in 2003, Amelia has entertained listeners across multiple dayparts, including the popular “Mickey, Amelia and Spiegel” morning show, afternoon drive, and her longtime midday shift.

“For over two decades, Amelia has been synonymous with 98 Rock,” said Dan Joerres, President and General Manager of WBAL-TV 11, 98 Rock and WBAL NewsRadio. “Her dedication to our on-air product as well as our community service efforts is truly unmatched. This is a retirement that is well deserved.”

Program Director Justin Johnson added: “Radio stations go through different eras, different lineups and different trends, but Amelia has always been one of the constants listeners could count on. She brought heart, personality and credibility to every shift she worked, and 98 Rock simply wouldn’t have been the same without her.”

Wisconsin Radio: Audacy Expands Brett Andrews Role

Audacy Wisconsin has promoted Brett Andrews to Brand Manager of 99.1 The Mix (WMYX-FM). He takes on this new leadership role while continuing to serve as the Brand Manager for Mix 105.1 (WMHX-FM) in Madison and Assistant Brand Manager for 103.7 KISS FM (WXSS-FM) in Milwaukee.

Andrews can still be heard on-air afternoons on 99.1 The Mix from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT and now on Mix 105.1 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT.

“Since joining us, Brett has proven to be an invaluable asset, blending a can-do attitude with proactive leadership and versatility,” said Molly Cruz, Top 40 Format Vice President, Audacy. “This move reflects our ongoing commitment to putting our strongest talent in the best positions to give our listeners the best experience.”

FOX News Media to Cover US-China Summit

FOX News Media will present special programming surrounding the United States-China summit starting May 12th, featuring live coverage from Beijing, China leading up to and following President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, May 14th. The summit will mark the president’s first trip to China since taking office in January of 2025.

Beginning Tuesday, FOX News Channel’s (FNC) Bill Hemmer will co-anchor America’s Newsroom (weekdays, 9-11 AM/ET) through May 14th live from Beijing. On May 13th and 14th, Chief political anchor Bret Baier will helm his nightly newscast Special Report (weeknights, 6PM/ET) while Sean Hannity will host Hannity (weeknights, 9PM/ET) – both also live from Beijing. On May 13th and 14th, Trace Gallagher will anchor special editions of FOX News @ Night (weeknights, 11PM/ET) live from Los Angeles, California with correspondent Jonathan Hunt providing overnight reporting on the summit from the network’s Los Angeles bureau.

Contributing to coverage live from Beijing throughout the week will be senior White House correspondents and anchors of The Sunday Briefing Jacqui Heinrich and Peter Doocy as well as White House correspondent and anchor of FOX News Live Aishah Hasnie. FOX Business Network (FBN) will also present live coverage across its various programs as well.

Byron Allen Acquires Majority Stake in BuzzFeed for $120M

Media entrepreneur Byron Allen is buying a controlling interest in BuzzFeed Inc., investing $120 million through his family office and taking over as chairman and CEO of the digital media company, the company announced Monday.

Founder and current CEO Jonah Peretti will step down from the top role and transition to the newly created position of president of BuzzFeed AI upon closing of the deal, which is expected by the end of May 2026.

Byron Allen

Under the transaction agreement, Allen Family Digital, an affiliate of Allen’s family office, will purchase 40 million shares of BuzzFeed at $3.00 per share. The investment will give Allen approximately 52% ownership of the company, which also owns HuffPost.

The $120 million purchase price consists of $20 million in cash at closing and a $100 million promissory note due in five years with 5% annual interest. The $3-per-share price represents a significant premium over BuzzFeed’s recent trading price of around $0.73.Allen, founder of Allen Media Group and owner of The Weather Channel, dozens of local TV stations, and other assets, plans to expand BuzzFeed and HuffPost into free-streaming video, audio, and user-generated content.

Andrew Morse Steps Down As AJC President and Publisher

Andrew Morse

Andrew Morse, the former CNN executive who led The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s ambitious shift from a traditional print newspaper to a fully digital news organization, is stepping down after a three-and-a-half-year tenure.

Morse announced his departure Monday during a staff town hall. His final day will be June 30. He will be succeeded by Paul Curran, a veteran Cox Media executive, effective June 29.Morse joined the AJC in January 2023 with backing from parent company Cox Enterprises, including a reported $150 million investment to transform the 157-year-old publication. 

Under his leadership, the AJC ended its print edition at the close of 2025, pivoted fully to digital, expanded coverage of sports, politics, and Southern culture, launched podcasts and newsletters, and earned a Peabody Award.

NBC Greenlights ‘Wordle’ Game Show Hosted by Savannah Guthrie

NBC has ordered a primetime game show adaptation of The New York Times’ popular word puzzle Wordle, with “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie as host and late-night star Jimmy Fallon serving as an executive producer.

The series, produced in partnership with Universal Television Alternative Studio, Fallon’s Electric Hot Dog production company, and The New York Times, is scheduled to premiere on NBC in 2027. 

Production is expected to begin later this year, with filming already slated for this summer in Manchester, England.

An avid Wordle player herself, Guthrie will lead the fast-paced competition in which teams of contestants race to solve five-letter word puzzles for cash prizes. Fallon announced the project Monday morning on the “Today” show alongside Guthrie.

R.I.P.: Pat McNally, Veteran Radio Executive

E. Patrick “Pat” McNally

E. Patrick “Pat” McNally, a respected longtime radio sales executive and station leader whose career spanned major rock radio markets during the format’s peak years, died on Thursday, May 7, 2026, following a series of health issues. He was a Detroit native and Michigan State University alumnus.

McNally spent decades in radio leadership roles, beginning in sales and rising to general manager positions at prominent stations across the country. Colleagues remembered him as a larger-than-life figure, skilled operator, and mentor who built strong teams and lasting industry friendships.

In Detroit, McNally served as General Sales Manager at legendary rocker W4 (WWWW). His tenure overlapped with an iconic airstaff that included Steve Dahl, Howard Stern, J.J. and the Morning Crew, Mark McEwen, and Sky Daniels.

He later served as General Manager of WAVA in Washington, D.C., and WAPP in New York City, both under Doubleday ownership. He then moved west to lead Live 105 (KITS) in San Francisco under Entercom before concluding his broadcasting career with a role in Phoenix. 

Radio History: May 12

➦In 1908...wireless Radio broadcasting was patented by Nathan B Stubblefield.

Nathan Stubblefield

Stubblefield (November 22, 1860 - March 28, 1928) was an American inventor and Kentucky melon farmer. It has been claimed that Stubblefield demonstrated radio in 1892, but his devices seem to have worked by audio frequency induction or, later, audio frequency earth conduction (creating disturbances in the near-field region) rather than by radio frequency radiation for radio transmission telecommunications.

He made public demonstrations of voice and music transmission to five receiving locations on the courthouse square in Murray on January 1, 1902, witnessed by at least 1,000 people, apparently using voice frequency transmission through earth conduction, to a radius of one-half mile. Later he demonstrated wireless telephony in Washington, D.C. on March 20, 1902, where voice and music transmissions were made over a third of a mile from the steamer Bartholdi to shore. He demonstrated wireless telephony as well in Philadelphia on May 30, 1902 to a distance of a half mile. His experiments were discussed in leading scientific journals.

In 1903, he could transmit 375 feet without earth connections, using induction. In 1904, he could transmit 423 yards. The total wire required for the transmitting and receiving coils was of a greater length than what would be required to simply interconnect the transmitter and receiver, but the invention would allow mobility.

By 1907, with a 60-foot transmitting coil, he could work 1/4 mile or 1,320 feet "nicely." On May 12, 1908, he received U.S. patent 887,357 for his Wireless Telephone, using the voice frequency induction system. He said in the patent that it would be useful for "securing telephonic communications between moving vehicles and way stations". The diagram shows wireless telephony from trains, boats, and wagons. In foreign patents he showed wireless telephony with cars. However, there is no indication that he was using voice-modulated continuous high frequency waves, as used for radio today.

Stubblefield's inventions did not lead directly to radio as the technology works today, but the public demonstrations in 1902 and the press coverage in the New York Times, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Washington Post, the Louisville Courier-Journal, Scientific American, and elsewhere helped to spur public interest in the possibilities of wireless transmission of voice and music. Most other inventors of the era sought to provide point-to-point messaging, to compete with telephone and telegraph companies.

Stubblefield in the 1902 was in a sense the "Father of Broadcasting", in that he said to the St. Louis Post Dispatch reporter in 1902, "..it is capable of sending simultaneous messages from a central distributing station over a very wide territory. For instance, anyone having a receiving instrument, which would consist merely of a telephone receiver and a signalling gong, could, upon being signalled by a transmitting station in Washington, or nearer, if advisable, be informed of weather news. My apparatus is capable of sending out a gong signal, as well as voice messages. Eventually, it will be used for the general transmission of news of every description".

➦In 1914...Howard K Smith born (died at age 87 - February 15, 2002).  He was a journalist, radio reporter, television anchorman, political commentator, and film actor. He was one of the original members of the team of war correspondents known as the Murrow Boys.

Local Digital Ad Growth Slows

Growth in local digital advertising has fallen to single digits and is projected to stay at its slowest sustained pace since the Great Recession, according to Borrell Associates’ 24th annual Local Digital Advertising report.

The deceleration marks the end of the easy-growth era for local media and exposes a structural problem for legacy companies that relied on 20–25% annual digital increases to offset declines in traditional revenue. With digital now expanding in low single digits while core products continue shrinking, the old math no longer works.