Opinions Flare As FCC Takes Action Over "The View" Segment

Commissioners Gomez, Carr and Trusty

Members of the FCC clashed during their Thursday open meeting over whether enforcement action against ABC was a routine procedural matter or a form of press intimidation tied to political content.

The dispute centers on an ongoing FCC action involving ABC’s interview with James Talarico on The View while he was a candidate in Texas’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the case stems from the network’s failure to file required paperwork that would trigger equal-time opportunities for opposing candidates. He described the matter as procedural, noting that some ABC affiliates in Texas had submitted the proper filings. Details of the enforcement action have not been disclosed as proceedings continue.

Federal law does not require broadcasters to proactively offer airtime to all candidates but mandates equal opportunities if a qualified opponent requests it. Jasmine Crockett, Talarico’s opponent, did not make such a request, according to her office, which also noted she had appeared on the program earlier.

FCC Updates Broadcast Rules

At its March open meeting in Washington, the FCC adopted a sweeping update to its broadcast rules, approving a Report and Order that streamlines radio regulation, modernizes filing systems, and eliminates outdated requirements.

The order revises Parts 1, 73, 74, and 76 of the Commission’s rules to better reflect current industry practices, reduce administrative burdens, and improve clarity for broadcasters. Officials described the changes as part of a broader effort to modernize regulation and align policies with today’s technology.

A central component of the overhaul is the full transition to the FCC’s Licensing and Management System. The agency eliminated all remaining references to the legacy Consolidated Database System, making LMS the sole platform for filing and accessing broadcast applications while updating form names to match the newer system.

The Commission also adopted changes aimed at increasing flexibility for AM broadcasters, removing the longstanding requirement that stations must pursue at least a 20% power increase when modifying facilities. The revision allows for more incremental technical adjustments to better serve local communities.

Where Do Americans Turn First for Breaking News?

A growing share of Americans are turning away from traditional news outlets as their first stop during breaking news events, according to a 2025 survey from the Pew Research Center.

The survey found that 36% of U.S. adults now go first to a preferred news organization for updates, down sharply from 54% in 2018. Meanwhile, reliance on search engines has nearly doubled to 28%, and 19% of Americans now turn first to social media, both significant increases over the past several years.

Only small shares of respondents reported using other sources: 5% said they ask friends or family, while just 1% turn to AI chatbots such as ChatGPT for breaking news. Another 5% said they use other sources or do not seek additional information at all.

The data highlights a sharp generational divide. Adults 65 and older are about four times more likely than those ages 18 to 29 to rely on traditional news organizations first (59% vs. 14%). In contrast, younger adults are far more likely to turn to digital platforms, with 31% of those under 30 choosing social media as their primary source for breaking news, compared to just 6% of older Americans.

This shift reflects broader changes in media consumption habits. Among adults ages 18 to 29, 76% say they get news from social media at least occasionally, compared to 28% of those 65 and older. Younger audiences are also more likely to trust information from social platforms, with trust levels now roughly equal to those for national news organizations among that age group.

The findings underscore how the evolving media landscape—shaped by digital platforms, search tools, and emerging technologies—is reshaping how Americans access and evaluate news in real time.

Radio Ratings Recap: Market PPMs See Change

Nielsen’s February radio ratings for the Tampa–St. Petersburg market showed a volatile month, with major shifts across the leaderboard and several stations posting notable gains and losses.

Tampa: The Dove Flies

Cox Media’s WDUV (105.5 The Dove) returned to the top spot in the 6+ category, edging up from an 8.4 to an 8.6 share. Radio Training Network’s WCIE (The Joy FM), which led last month, dropped to No. 2 after falling from 8.8 to 7.3 — its lowest share since October.

WXGL (107.3 The Eagle), also owned by Cox Media, climbed to No. 3 with a 6.5 share, snapping a three-book decline. Beasley’s WRBQ (Q105) moved up slightly to No. 4, while Cox Media’s WWRM (Magic 94.9) slipped to No. 5. iHeartMedia’s WFLZ made one of the biggest jumps, rising from No. 10 to No. 6 with its strongest performance in more than a year.

Further down, iHeartMedia’s WMTX (Mix 100.7) dropped from No. 3 to No. 7, posting its lowest share since November, and WXTB (98 Rock) fell to No. 8.

WDUV also remained the market’s cume leader, growing 3.1% to 653,500 listeners.

Among adults 25-54, WDUV rebounded from a weaker January to post its best non-holiday share in over a year, jumping from No. 4 to No. 1. WRBQ climbed to No. 2 with its third consecutive gain, while WFLZ surged to No. 3 with its fifth straight increase.

Meanwhile, former co-leaders WCIE and WMTX both saw sharp declines, falling to No. 4 and No. 5, respectively. WWRM dropped three spots to No. 6 with its first decrease since September, tying with WXTB, which also posted a slight loss.

DENVER-BOULDER: Rocky Mountain Shake-Up

A shake-up at the top defined Nielsen’s latest Denver-Boulder ratings, as Audacy’s KQMT (99.5 The Mountain) surged to No. 1 in the 6+ category with its strongest performance in more than a year, climbing from a 5.7 to a 7.0 share.

That gain ended Bonneville AC KOSI (KOSI 101.1)’s 12-book winning streak, as the station slipped to No. 2 with a 6.7 share. Bonneville Country KYGO held steady at No. 3, while Audacy’s KALC (Alice 105.9) remained at No. 4. KSE Media Ventures’ KXKL (Kool 105) moved up to No. 5, posting its best numbers since July.

Bonneville Sports KKFN (104.3 The Fan) saw the sharpest drop, falling from No. 5 to No. 13 following the end of the Denver Broncos season. KOSI continued to lead the market in total cume. 

Among adults 25-54, iHeartMedia’s KTCL (Channel 93.3) held onto the top spot for a second straight ratings period, delivering its best performance since June. KQMT jumped from No. 4 to No. 2, finishing just behind the leader with its highest share in over a year.

KALC and KOSI, previously tied near the top, both posted declines and slipped to No. 3 and No. 4, respectively. KXKL climbed from No. 7 to No. 5 with its best showing in a year, while KYGO made a notable leap from No. 14 to No. 6.

Meanwhile, KKFN dropped sharply in the demo as well, falling from No. 5 to No. 18, where it ended up in a multi-station tie.

Greensboro, NC Radio: One Chris Exits, One Chris Remains At Rock 92

Chris Demm

After 27 years on the air, Chris Demm has signed off from the 2 Guys Named Chris Show, marking the end of an era for one of the most enduring morning programs in North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad.

Demm’s departure leaves longtime co-host Chris Kelly continuing the show without his on-air partner, with whom he built a loyal audience over nearly three decades. The program, heard on Rock 92, has long been a staple of morning commutes, blending classic rock, humor, trivia, and conversational banter.

The final broadcast was an emotional sendoff for Demm, Kelly, and the entire crew, reflecting the deep connection the show has maintained with listeners in the region. Over the years, the duo became synonymous with local radio, developing a chemistry that helped sustain the show’s popularity amid shifting media habits and increased competition from digital platforms.

Demm, who has spent more than four decades in radio, reflected on the milestone with gratitude. “Today was an unbelievable day,” he said, calling his career “humbling, gratifying, and emotional,” and crediting his partnership with Kelly and the station’s team for the show’s success.

His exit marks a significant transition for the station and its audience, closing a chapter on one of the market’s most recognizable radio brands while raising questions about the show’s future direction in a rapidly evolving audio landscape.

Fans Say Paywalled Sports Are Out of Control

Most Americans — especially sports fans — say major sporting events should remain on free broadcast television rather than being locked behind streaming paywalls, according to a new Fox News national survey.

The poll of registered voters finds broad, bipartisan-style agreement on the issue: 72% of sports fans and 60% of non-fans believe marquee games should stay on free TV. By contrast, only 27% of fans and 38% of non-fans support allowing leagues to move games exclusively to paid streaming platforms.

The shift toward subscription services is already changing viewing habits — and pricing many fans out. Nearly six in ten sports fans report skipping at least a few games over the past year because watching them was too expensive. About one-third say this has happened “many times,” underscoring how rising costs are becoming a consistent barrier rather than an occasional inconvenience.

Access challenges extend beyond price. Even when fans are willing to pay, navigating where and how to watch can be frustrating. Almost half of fans (47%) say they’ve missed games because they were too difficult to find or access across fragmented platforms. Still, 46% report rarely or never encountering such issues, suggesting a divided experience depending on viewing habits and tech familiarity.

Despite these frustrations, sports remain a central part of American life. Nearly three-quarters of registered voters (73%) identify as sports fans, highlighting the widespread impact of ongoing changes in how games are distributed and consumed.

The FCC has launched a public inquiry into the growing shift of live sports programming from free, over-the-air broadcast television to subscription-based streaming services, seeking comments from the public on how this trend affects consumers, broadcasters, and access to local news.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, the inquiry highlights concerns over marketplace fragmentation, where fans increasingly need multiple paid subscriptions, potentially costing over $1,500 annually for full NFL coverage in some estimates, to watch games that once aired freely on broadcast TV. 

The comment period runs through March 27, 2026, with reply comments due by April 13.

Good Morning: For Starters, Check Out The Pulse For Friday, March 27

Radio Broadcasting

When News Breaks:  When a breaking news event happens, 36% of U.S. adults say they typically turn first to their preferred news organization to get more information, according to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey from the Pew-Knight Initiative. Another 28% look to search engines like Google or Bing, and 19% make social media their first destination. A smaller share (5%) usually asks friends, family or acquaintances for more information.

The FCC Makes The Rules: At its March open meeting in Washington, the FCC adopted a sweeping update to its broadcast rules, approving a Report and Order that streamlines radio regulation, modernizes filing systems, and eliminates outdated requirements. The order revises part of the Commission’s rules to better reflect current industry practices, reduce administrative burdens, and improve clarity for broadcasters. Officials described the changes as part of a broader effort to modernize regulation and align policies with today’s technology. The agency eliminated all remaining references to the legacy Consolidated Database System, making LMS the sole platform for filing and accessing broadcast applications while updating form names to match the newer system.

Keeping The Faith:  Faith-based radio has a long history in America, dating back to the earliest broadcasts of Sunday services at the beginning of the 1920s. Today, there are more than 4,000 terrestrial religious radio stations in the United States, according to a Pew Research Center analysis from the Pew-Knight Initiative. That’s about a quarter of the roughly 17,000 AM and FM stations in the U.S. that are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. Almost all U.S. adults – 98% – live within the local coverage range of at least one religious radio station.

Media Industry

Netflix is raising prices in the U.S. for the second time in a year: The hikes include its ad-supported and ad-free Standard plans and Premium plan. Per an update on its website, the Standard With Ads plan will increase by $1 to $8.99 per month, while the ad-free Standard and Premium plans will each increase by $2 to $19.99 and $26.99 per month, respectively, effective Thursday. Netflix Standard subscribers can add an extra member for $7.99 per month with ads and $9.99 per month without ads. Premium subscribers can add up to 2 extra members for $7.99 per month with ads and $9.99 per month without ads.

Nielsen is in hot water:  After delaying the rollout of new methodology for its monthly Gauge reports, which was set to show a temporary downtick in streaming's domination over linear networks. While Nielsen reversed course on the rollout after backlash from streamers, the delay in the rollout has ruffled feathers across the TV industry.

Meta has laid off several hundred employees across various divisions:  RIFs including sales, recruiting and the Reality Labs department as the technology giant continues to funnel more money into the development of artificial intelligence (AI). According to a report from TechCrunch, Meta’s cuts will affect under 1,000 employees across the U.S. and multiple international markets, some of whom may be offered a position within a different team or geographic location.

U-S News

Senate Deadlock Breaks: Lawmakers in the Senate have unanimously passed a bill to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security, securing a path to ending the weekslong shutdown that has left airports in turmoil. The eleventh-hour agreement provides money for all of DHS except for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. It still has to pass the House of Representatives before going to President Donald Trump's desk.

The late-night dealmaking came after Trump said earlier in the evening that he would pay Transportation Security Administration workers with or without the help of Congress. As hundreds of temporarily unpaid TSA workers have resigned since the shutdown started, and more have increasingly called off the job, wait times in airport security lines have hit historic highs in recent days.

War Pause: President Donald Trump said on The Five that he is extending a pause on U.S. strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure until April 6, citing progress in ongoing negotiations. Trump said he approved a 10-day extension after Iran requested more time, noting that discussions are “going fairly well” and signaling a potential opening for a broader agreement. The pause delays planned attacks on Iranian oil and energy facilities, which had been part of a broader U.S. military strategy during the escalating conflict. The original deadline had been shorter, but Trump said he chose to extend it to allow diplomacy to continue.

Stocks fell sharply Thursday:  The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped more than 450 points, as rising oil prices and renewed uncertainty over Iran negotiations rattled investors. The sell-off came as oil prices surged amid concerns about ongoing conflict and disruptions to global supply, with crude climbing above $100 per barrel. Markets were further pressured by doubts about a potential diplomatic resolution, after optimism earlier in the week faded. Conflicting signals from U.S. officials and Iran—along with the rejection of a proposed ceasefire—added to volatility on Wall Street.

Pop Music "A-Listers" Rock iHeart Radio Music Awards

Pop’s biggest names took center stage at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, with Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus leading a night packed with major wins, high-energy performances and surprise moments.

Swift emerged as one of the night’s top winners, continuing her dominant streak with multiple fan-voted awards tied to her record-breaking tour and releases. Cyrus also stood out, earning major recognition and delivering one of the evening’s most talked-about appearances, underscoring her continued evolution as an artist.

The iHeartRadio Music Awards celebrated a wide range of artists across genres, highlighting both chart-topping hits and fan favorites. Other stars, including Dua Lipa, Drake and SZA, added to the star power with appearances, performances and award wins.

The fan-driven show, known for reflecting what listeners are streaming and requesting most, blended live performances with acceptance speeches and tributes, keeping the focus on audience engagement and pop culture impact.

By the end of the night, the ceremony reinforced the influence of today’s biggest artists while giving fans a central role in deciding who takes home honors.

Most Religious Stations Are Part of Larger Companies

Faith-based radio has deep roots in the United States, tracing back to the first broadcasts of Sunday services in the early 1920s. Today, more than 4,000 terrestrial religious radio stations operate nationwide, according to an analysis by the Pew Research Center through its Pew-Knight Initiative.

These stations account for roughly one-quarter of the nearly 17,000 AM and FM outlets licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. As a result, nearly all U.S. adults — about 98% — live within the broadcast range of at least one religious radio station.

The new study from the Pew Research Center finds that religious radio remains a significant — and in some cases preferred — form of media among highly religious Americans, even as digital alternatives grow.

Nearly six-in-ten highly religious U.S. adults (57%) say they listen to religion-focused radio stations, a higher share than those who consume similar content through podcasts, highlighting radio’s continued reach within faith communities.

The findings show that traditional media still plays a major role in religious life. Pew reports that radio listening outpaces other modern formats like religious podcasts, and remains part of a broader pattern in which more observant Americans rely on established, offline or broadcast channels for spiritual content.

At the same time, the data suggests religious media habits are evolving. While radio remains popular, Americans are also increasingly turning to online services and digital platforms for worship and engagement, reflecting a hybrid approach to religious participation.

Earlier Pew research similarly found that about one-in-five Americans engage with religious media such as talk radio, placing it on par with other forms like religious television or online sharing of faith, underscoring its longstanding role in U.S. religious culture.

Overall, the study indicates that religious radio stations continue to hold a meaningful place in the U.S. media landscape, particularly among the most devout, even as newer technologies reshape how Americans practice and experience religion.

Mediaco Touts Feb PPMs In NYC, L-A and D/FW

MediaCo Holding Inc. has announced a strong February performance across its audio portfolio, with audience growth in key dayparts and demos driving momentum in New York, Southern California, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston.

New York led by HOT 97 and WBLS, with HOT 97 rising to #4 in mornings and #3 in afternoons, and Prime AQH up 41% year over year. WBLS posted 35% afternoon AQH growth among Persons 25-54 and strong weekend gains.

Southern California delivered one of MediaCo’s strongest books, powered by Que Buena (KBUE) in Los Angeles, which saw double-digit AQH growth and major morning gains, and 96.1 KRQB, which posted standout increases including 200% midday growth among Persons 18-49 and triple-digit afternoon gains.

Dallas-Fort Worth saw breakout performance from 106.7 KZZA, with 38% AQH growth vs. Q4 among Persons 25-54 and strong morning drive gains, while 98.3 KBOC delivered double-digit cume growth and 70%+ weekend AQH increases among Persons 18-49.

Houston performance was driven by weekend and off-peak momentum, with 98.5 KTJM posting strong weekend gains across both demos, 107.9 KQQK delivering Persons 18-49 growth across afternoons, nights, and weekends, and 93.7 KNOR seeing triple-digit month-over-month nighttime growth among Persons 18-49.

“We’re seeing real momentum across the MediaCo portfolio, with consistent growth in key dayparts and across core audiences in multiple major markets,” said Maire Mason, President of Audio, MediaCo. “These results reflect the strength of our brands, our programming strategy, and our deep connection with the communities we serve.”

Source: Nielsen Audio PPM, February 2026 Monthly.

CBS News: Ratings Are A Worry

CBS News’ flagship programs are slipping in the ratings, raising fresh concerns about the network’s direction under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss just six months into her tenure.

Early Nielsen data shows both CBS Evening News and CBS Mornings trending toward new lows. “Evening News” is on pace for its weakest performance since October in both total viewers and the key 25–54 demographic, while “CBS Mornings” is also heading for its lowest total audience since October after a steady first-quarter decline.

“Evening News,” a centerpiece of Weiss’ strategy, has become a key indicator of her impact reports The Wrap. She led a major overhaul of the broadcast, bringing in Tony Dokoupil from the morning show and investing heavily in changes aimed at boosting viewership.

So far, the results have been disappointing. The program is averaging about 4.1 million viewers in March, with roughly 508,000 in the 25–54 demo — down from January (4.39 million/588,000) and February (4.4 million/544,000). During the week ending March 13, the broadcast dipped below 4 million viewers for the first time in months, though it rebounded slightly the following week.

The ratings decline comes amid criticism of the show’s editorial direction, including scrutiny of Dokoupil’s coverage of the Trump administration, and broader questions about the network’s attempt to attract more centrist viewers.

The strategy is closely tied to David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Global, who backed Weiss’ appointment after acquiring her media outlet, The Free Press, in a $150 million deal. Since then, CBS News has faced internal turmoil, including layoffs, staff departures and criticism over a perceived shift in editorial tone.

Longer-term uncertainty also looms. With Paramount’s planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, questions are growing about whether Weiss’ influence could extend further — potentially impacting assets like CNN — adding another layer of concern inside the broader television news industry.

Miami Radio: WQAM-FM To Air MLB Marlins

The Miami Marlins today announced a new multi-year radio broadcast and streaming partnership with Audacy that will make sports radio station WQAM (WQAM-FM/AM) the flagship home of Marlins Baseball across South Florida.

Under the multiplatform partnership, WQAM will broadcast all regular season Marlins games, delivering live play-by-play coverage along with pregame and postgame programming to listeners throughout the region. The broadcasts will also be available through the Audacy app, expanding access for fans across digital and streaming platforms. Audacy serves as the official audio streaming partner of Major League Baseball. The team’s Opening Day game will be heard on 560 AM.

The agreement reunites the Marlins with WQAM, which served as the club’s inaugural flagship radio station during the franchise’s debut season in 1993, reconnecting the team with one of South Florida’s most historic sports broadcasting brands.

Radio History: March 27

Marconi 1899

➦In 1899...Radio pioneer Marconi transmitted a test from Wimereux, France to South Foreland Lighthouse, England. Marconi set up an experimental base at the Haven Hotel, Sandbanks, Poole Harbour, Dorset, where he erected a 100-foot high mast.  The demonstration was the first international radio transmission.

Fred Foy

➦In 1921...Fred Foy was born (Died at age 88  – December 22, 2010).  He was a radio and television announcer and actor. He is best known for his narration of The Lone Ranger. Radio historian Jim Harmon described Foy as "the announcer, perhaps the greatest announcer-narrator in the history of radio drama."

Shortly after graduating from high school in 1938, Foy began in broadcasting with a part-time position at WMBC, a 250-watt independent station in Detroit. He moved to WXYZ in 1942, but World War II interrupted his radio career. After the war, Foy returned to WXYZ in Detroit.

He took over the position of announcer and narrator for radio's The Lone Ranger beginning July 2, 1948 and continuing until the series ended on September 3, 1954. He understudied the title role and stepped into the part on March 29, 1954 when Brace Beemer had laryngitis.

His long run as announcer and narrator of The Lone Ranger made the Foy's distinctive voice a radio trademark. He was also heard on radio's The Green Hornet and Challenge of the Yukon.

His stentorian delivery of the program's lead-in thrilled his audience for years and helped the program achieve even greater popularity and status. Most radio historians agree that Foy’s Lone Ranger introduction is the most recognized opening in American radio:

Hi-Yo, Silver! A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty "Hi-Yo Silver"... The Lone Ranger! With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early Western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof-beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again!

➦In 1928...KGB-AM, San Diego, California signed-on.

KGB is the oldest continuing radio station in the San Diego Market. The station was granted a license in July 1922 to W.K. Azbill under the call letters of KFBC operating at 10 watts on 1210 kilocycles. This license was assigned to Dr. Arthur Wells Yale in 1927. Pickwick Broadcasting Corporation bought the station in 1928 and installed George Bowles as Vice President and Manager of the station. The call letters were changed to reflect his name as KGB. Under the Pickwick ownership, the station began operating at 1330 kilocycles. Stations used a variety of slogans to promote their identity. Among those KGB uses during this time were "The Sunshine State of California" and "Music for the Sick".

Don Lee, Incorporated bought KGB in 1931. Don Lee died in 1934 and the license was assigned to station manager Marion Harris. Art Linkletter got his professional start at KGB during this time serving as an announcer and program director. The station began operating at 1360 kilocycles in 1942. By 1949, KGB was operating at 1000 watts when Don Lee, Inc was merged with Mutual Broadcasting Company. The station was sold to Marion Harris in 1954 who increased the output to 5000 watts-days, 1000 watts-night.

On the Johnny Mann Singers web site Ron Jacobs said, "Willet Brown of Brown Broadcasting Company purchased the station in 1961 and operated it with his son Mike. Willet co-founded Mutual Broadcasting System, was pals with Howard Hughes, owned a cadillac dealership, a yacht, and his own Greyhound bus.

R.I.P.: Dash Crofts, Seals & Crofts Musician, dies at 87

Dash Crofts (1940-2026)

Dash Crofts, one half of the soft rock duo Seals & Crofts, has died at 87, his family confirmed. He died of heart failure on Wednesday.

In a statement, his family remembered Crofts for his “loving-kindness, remarkable compassion, [and] beautiful and tender voice,” thanking fans worldwide for their support and celebrating his legacy.

Crofts rose to fame in the 1970s as part of Seals & Crofts, which debuted in 1969 and achieved major success with hits including “Summer Breeze,” “Diamond Girl,” and “Get Closer.” Their breakthrough came with the 1972 album Summer Breeze, which sold more than 2 million copies and produced a Top 10 title track on the Billboard Hot 100.

The duo followed with successful albums like Diamond Girl (1973) and Unborn Child (1974), the latter drawing controversy for its anti-abortion themes following the Roe v. Wade ruling. Their music often reflected their adherence to the Baháʼí Faith, which influenced both their songwriting and public messaging.