Trump Boots Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly

President Donald Trump publicly declared that Tucker Carlson is no longer part of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement, stating the conservative commentator "has lost his way" and is "not MAGA." This sharp rebuke came in a March 5, 2026, interview with ABC News correspondent Jonathan Karl, directly responding to Carlson's fierce criticism of Trump's decision to launch joint U.S.-Israel military strikes against Iran.

Trump emphasized: "MAGA is saving our country. MAGA is making our country great again. MAGA is America first, and Tucker is none of those things. And Tucker is really not smart enough to understand that." 

He extended similar dismissal to other critics like Megyn Kelly, asserting that "MAGA is Trump" and these figures do not represent his core base.

Tucker Carlson

The rift stems from the U.S. military operation against Iran, which killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, several top officials, and resulted in at least six U.S. service member deaths. Described as a preemptive strike to force regime change, the action has escalated into ongoing conflict and drawn comparisons to Trump's campaign promises to avoid new foreign wars and prioritize "America First."

Carlson condemned the strikes as "absolutely disgusting and evil" in interviews, including with ABC News, arguing they contradict isolationist principles within MAGA and serve as "Israel’s war." 

Other prominent conservative voices, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Walsh, and Dave Smith, echoed concerns about entanglement in Middle East conflicts, potential political fallout ahead of midterms, and broken pledges against endless wars.

This public feud highlights deepening divisions in the MAGA coalition between supporters of Trump's interventionist approach on Iran and isolationist "America First" advocates like Carlson, who remains influential in conservative media. The split has fueled online debates, accusations of anti-Semitism against Carlson from some pro-Trump figures, and warnings of damage to GOP unity and voter turnout.

Cumulus-Nielsen Lawsuit Remains Active

Cumulus Media filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 5, 2026, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, aiming to eliminate approximately $592–600 million in debt through a prepackaged restructuring supported by about 72% of certain lenders. The plan would hand equity control to lenders, significantly deleveraging the company amid declining radio advertising revenue from streaming competition, macroeconomic pressures, and increased costs tied to its ongoing antitrust dispute with Nielsen.

Meanwhile, the Nielsen-Cumulus lawsuit remains active in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. On Thursday, Nielsen filed its opening brief in the appeal, urging reversal of the district court's December 2025 preliminary injunction that had blocked Nielsen's "Network Policy" of tying national radio ratings access to purchases of local market data. The Second Circuit had stayed that injunction on February 3, 2026, allowing Nielsen to enforce the policy during the appeal, which is fast-tracked.

DHS 'ICE' Queen Wasn't Truthful At Senate Hearing

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he is replacing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem with U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), effective by the end of March. The move came shortly after Trump told Reuters he was unaware of and did not approve a controversial $220 million border security advertising campaign that prominently featured Noem.

"I never knew anything about it," Trump said in a phone interview with Reuters.Trump posted the replacement announcement on Truth Social soon after the interview.

The $220 million ad campaign, aimed at promoting border security and encouraging self-deportation amid Trump's immigration crackdown, drew bipartisan criticism during Noem's congressional testimony on Tuesday and Wednesday. Lawmakers from both parties questioned the contracting process, lack of standard competitive bidding, and awards to Republican-connected firms.

Sen. John Kennedy asks Sec. Kristi Noem: “How do you square that concern for waste—which I share—with the fact that you have spent $220 million running television advertisements that feature you prominently?”

pic.twitter.com/BOl0xoxPpW

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) March 3, 2026

In a key exchange, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) pressed Noem on whether Trump had approved the spending: "The president approved ahead of time you spending $220 million running TV ads across the country in which you are featured prominently?"

"Yes, sir. We went through the legal processes, did it correctly," Noem replied.The ads included scenes of Noem on horseback at Mount Rushmore in her home state of South Dakota.

PSKY CEO: Promises Editorial Independence At CNN

Paramount CEO David Ellison assured CNBC viewers on Thursday that CNN would preserve its editorial independence if Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery is finalized, directly addressing concerns that the network might alter its approach to align with the Trump administration.

During an appearance on "Squawk on the Street," host David Faber questioned Ellison about widespread fears—particularly among CNN staff—that a Paramount-owned CNN could become "more beholden to the Trump administration," especially given Ellison's influence over CBS News. Some insiders had previously described the potential takeover as potentially marking "the end" for the network as they know it.

Ellison pushed back firmly, stating that CNN's independence "will actually be maintained." He drew a parallel to CBS, where he said editorial independence is already upheld, and emphasized a focus on serving the "70% of Americans—and around the world—who identify as center-left and center-right." 

He described Paramount's goal as being "in the truth business" and "in the trust business," insisting this direction would not shift.

Good Morning! It's Friday, March 6..So Check Out the Pulse

Radio Broadcasting

War with Iran Drives Surge in News/Talk Radio Listening and Emergency Coverage: The escalating conflict (now in its second week) has boosted real-time audio consumption on radio, with stations providing live updates, expert analysis, and breaking reports on U.S. military actions (e.g., submarine strikes, Iranian retaliations on bases and embassies), oil price spikes, and domestic impacts. News/talk formats remain strong in recent PPM ratings, with many stations airing extended coverage, interviews with officials, and listener call-ins amid public anxiety. Conservative-leaning talk shows (e.g., on networks like Cumulus or iHeart) heavily feature pro-administration perspectives on the war, while public radio outlets continue in-depth reporting despite prior funding challenges. Radio's role in emergency alerting and local resilience is highlighted, especially as potential energy disruptions could affect power grids and broadcasting infrastructure.

Broadcast Electronics Changes Hands: A significant transaction in radio equipment/manufacturing, with Broadcast Electronics acquired or restructured (details emerging March 6). This affects station infrastructure upgrades, especially for HD Radio, digital transitions, and resilience tech.

Cumulus Media's Post-Restructuring Focus: Fresh from Chapter 11 emergence, Cumulus emphasizes growth, debt reduction, and flexibility—potentially leading to more acquisitions or format shifts in news/talk amid war coverage demands.

Entravision Expands U.S. Media Leadership: The company named a trio to lead its U.S. operations, signaling investment in multicultural radio (e.g., Spanish-language formats) and cross-platform strategies.

Media Industry

Intensified Challenges to Journalism Amid the Iran War:  The escalating conflict has created severe hurdles for media coverage. In Iran, a near-total media blackout persists, with independent journalists facing detentions, photo deletions, internet restrictions, and threats—exacerbated by the regime's long-standing censorship practices. Reporters Without Borders and others have called for the release of jailed journalists and an end to pressures. On the U.S./Israeli side, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has sharply criticized media reporting on troop deaths and war developments, while access to military information remains heavily restricted (including limited Pentagon press interactions). Viral moments, like a CNN reporter's on-air comment about Israeli media restrictions during live coverage, have sparked debates over potential self-censorship or imposed limits. This has led to broader discussions about stifled reporting, distorted state narratives (e.g., Iranian TV and social media using AI-generated content to project defiance), and the public's right to transparent information during wartime.

Trump Administration's Ongoing Restrictions on Press Access and Favoritism Toward Pro-Administration Outlets:  The White House continues tightening control over media interactions, building on earlier policies from late 2025 and early 2026. This includes White House decisions on press pool assignments (bypassing the White House Correspondents' Association), restricted access to press secretary offices, and favoritism toward MAGA-aligned media and influencers. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has defended criticisms of mainstream coverage (e.g., on Iran troop deaths), framing it as factual bias against the administration. These moves are seen as part of a pattern to punish adversarial journalism, limit transparency, and elevate friendly outlets—raising alarms from press freedom advocates about threats to accountability.

U-S News

Escalating U.S.-Israel War with Iran Remains the Leading Story: The conflict, which began around late February 2026 with coordinated strikes (codenamed Operation Epic Fury by the U.S. and Operation Roaring Lion by Israel), continues with intense airstrikes, drone attacks, and missile exchanges. Key updates include:

• Ongoing bombings across Iran, with death tolls reported in the hundreds (e.g., 787 cited earlier in the week from Iranian sources).
• U.S. military actions, such as a submarine sinking an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean and air-to-air engagements.
• Iran retaliating with strikes, including on U.S. assets, leading to American casualties (e.g., reservists killed in Kuwait drone strikes).
• President Trump stating he wants a personal role in approving Iran's next leader following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and claiming Iran has reached out for a potential deal (though officials say no active negotiations).
• Broader regional spillover, including impacts on Lebanon, Hezbollah involvement, evacuations of Americans, and economic effects like surging oil prices and stock market drops (e.g., Dow tumbling significantly).
• Public and political debate, with polls showing disapproval of the strikes, criticism of unclear goals, and protests (including a veteran removed from a Senate hearing).

President Trump Fires DHS Secretary Kristi Noem:  In a major cabinet shakeup, Trump removed Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security after criticism of her leadership, border policies (including controversial detention sites), and other issues like handling protests and spending. He announced plans to replace her with Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, creating a Senate vacancy and exposing early tensions in the administration. This is seen as the first major firing in Trump's second term.

Cumulus Bankruptcy Discussed For Some Time

Cumulus Media filed for a prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy Thursday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, backed by a restructuring support agreement with key lenders. The move aims to eliminate approximately $600 million in debt—roughly 85% of its funded obligations—allowing the company to emerge later this year as a stronger, privately held entity with a significantly deleveraged balance sheet.

The prepackaged plan is designed to cause no disruption to daily operations, employees, programming, or listener experience. 

Cumulus has secured up to $100 million in liquidity through an amended asset-based lending facility and lender consent to use existing cash collateral, ensuring business continuity during the process.

The restructuring is expected to save about $49 million annually in interest expenses. This freed-up cash flow will support growth initiatives, digital transformation, content innovation, and brand enhancement providing the radio broadcaster with greater financial flexibility amid industry challenges like shifting audience behaviors and high debt burdens.

Cumulus began exploring restructuring options in late 2025 due to these pressures, including approaching debt maturities. CFO Francisco J. Lopez-Balboa stated in a court declaration that the prepackaged approach—anchored by stakeholder agreement—avoids a destructive freefall bankruptcy, minimizes risk and costs, and best serves all stakeholders.

The company plans to seek court confirmation of its reorganization plan in mid-April 2026, followed by FCC approvals expected to take three to four months. This timeline targets an emergence between August and October 2026. During Chapter 11, Cumulus will continue required SEC filings (such as Q4 2025 earnings), though earnings calls will pause. Post-emergence as a private company, public disclosure requirements will decrease, sharpening focus on long-term strategy.

The filing does not affect separate ongoing legal matters, including issues with Nielsen. This strategic reset sheds years of accumulated debt, positioning Cumulus for a more agile future centered on broadcast radio growth, digital expansion, talent investment, and premium content.

DHS Detained Reporter In Nashville

A Colombian journalist working for Nashville Noticias was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without an arrest warrant on March 4, 2026, in South Nashville, according to an emergency habeas corpus petition filed by her attorneys in federal court.

WSMV— NASHVILLE NOTICIAS reporter Estefany Rodriguez, who reported on ICE, detained by ICE🤔. They claim she missed 2 appointments but 1 was during the ice storm, another they gave her bad info.

Her husband is a citizen, she’s on a Green card path.

Full: https://t.co/7ARMgCEy0W pic.twitter.com/HSf8AOCcxF

— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) March 6, 2026

The reporter, Estefany Maria Rodriguez Flores, remains in ICE custody at a detention center. ICE did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Her lawyers filed the emergency petition in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, asserting the warrantless arrest violated her rights. Rodriguez Flores, originally from Colombia, has lived in the U.S. for five years, is married to a U.S. citizen, and has been following legal steps toward citizenship, including a scheduled March 17 meeting with ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations.

Nashville Noticias stated that agents surrounded the vehicle she was in with her husband outside a gym. The vehicle was marked with the outlet's logo, and she was taken into custody during what appeared to be a traffic stop or encounter in South Nashville.

Her attorneys highlighted that Rodriguez Flores "frequently reports on stories critical of ICE" for the Spanish-language media outlet, raising questions about potential retaliation. She joined Nashville Noticias in 2022 and holds a journalism degree from Colombia, where she previously worked at various news outlets and reportedly fled due to threats related to her reporting.

Immigrant rights advocates and her legal team are working to determine the full reasons for the detention and secure her release. This marks at least the second instance of a Hispanic reporter from a Spanish-language outlet in Tennessee being targeted and detained by ICE in recent times.

The case has drawn attention amid broader immigration enforcement actions under the current administration.

President Trump’s TV-Ready War Secretary On Offense

War Secretary Pete Hegseth has appeared at the Pentagon lectern three times this week to vigorously defend President Trump's ongoing military campaign against Iran, forcefully rejecting accusations that the U.S. is plunging into another "endless war" like those in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"To the media outlets and political left screaming ‘endless wars’—stop. This is not Iraq. This is not endless," Hegseth declared Monday. "I was there for both. Our generation knows better, and so does this president."

The briefings come amid the escalating U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran—now in its early days—that has drawn criticism for potentially dragging America into a prolonged Middle East conflict, despite Trump's campaign vows to avoid such entanglements.

'We have only just begun to fight and fight decisively,' US War Secretary Pete Hegseth said, adding that Iran was making a mistake if it believed that the US could not sustain the ongoing war pic.twitter.com/JA0GLhaiBW

— GENERAL OF THE U.S. ARMY TOM S. GATES ★ 🦅🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@GENTomSGates83) March 6, 2026

 

Hegseth has used his veteran status as a former National Guardsman who served in Iraq and Afghanistan to push back on those concerns, positioning himself as a credible voice assuring the public that this fight has clear, limited objectives—unlike past wars.

Savannah Guthrie Makes Off-Camera Return To TODAY

Savannah Guthrie made an emotional, off-camera return to NBC's Today show Studio 1A in New York on Thursday reuniting with her colleagues for the first time since her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, was abducted from her home in the Tucson, Arizona, area on February 1.

The Today co-anchor thanked her work family profusely, expressing deep gratitude that they “cared about my mom as much as I do.” 

The moment was understandably tearful and heartfelt, as Guthrie had been away from the show for over a month, prioritizing support for her family and efforts to bring Nancy home amid the ongoing investigation.

Guthrie addressed her colleagues directly during the visit, conveying her intention to return to hosting duties on air eventually, even though it feels incredibly difficult right now. As she put it poignantly, echoing what her mother might say: “Where else would I go?” 

She described the Today set as her home, a place filled with love and support during this unimaginable ordeal.

Entravision Reports 32% 4Q Revenue Drop

Entravision Communications released its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025 on Thursday, after market close, as part of the company's scheduled earnings announcement.

"Our Media segment net revenue declined 32% in the fourth quarter of 2025 year-over-year, primarily due to lower political revenue. These results included a 4% increase in local advertising revenue and a 5% decline in national advertising revenue, excluding political revenue," said Michael Christenson, Chief Executive Officer. 

"Our Advertising Technology & Services segment net revenue increased 123% in the fourth quarter of 2025 year-over-year. This performance was driven by our strategic investments in the AI capabilities of our platform and expanded sales capacity. Our Advertising Technology & Services segment had higher monthly active advertisers and higher revenue per monthly active advertiser."

Christenson continued, “We repaid $5 million on our bank term loan in the fourth quarter of 2025, bringing our total reduction during the full year to $20 million. We remain committed to reducing our debt and maintaining a strong balance sheet.”

Entravision Announces New Leaders

Entravision has announced three promotions in its US Media leadership team:

• Maria Martinez-Guzman to President of Entravision Media;
• Eduardo Maytorena to President of Entravision Audio; and
• Winter Horton to Chief Revenue Officer

Martinez-Guzman, Maytorena and Horton will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Michael Christenson.

“These promotions align our leadership with our core objectives: serve our Latino audience and advertisers, lead with sales, and modernize our operations,” said Christenson. “Maria, Eduardo and Winter are experienced leaders who will deliver on audience, client and revenue growth.”

Martinez-Guzman will lead television and digital video programming, local sales for television-only markets, and national sales. She started her career in Entravision’s McAllen office, and rejoins Entravision after a 20-year career at Univision, where she served as EVP of News. “I am honored and excited to step into this role,” said Martinez-Guzman. “Video has always been at the heart of my career. It’s how we inform, tell stories, and build trust. I look forward to working with our talented team to position Entravision as a leader in broadcast and streaming video.”

Eduardo Maytorena

Maytorena will oversee radio and digital audio programming, local sales for radio-only markets, and network and national sales. He is formerly a Senior Vice President in Entravision's Los Angeles market. “I’m energized to take this role,” said Maytorena. “Entravision has built one of the most influential platforms for Latino audiences, and I’m proud to help lead its next phase of growth. We will change the audio game and transform it into a more integrated, dynamic platform. My goal is to position Entravision Audio as the most forward-thinking Latino audio platform, driving growth across our markets.”

Horton will lead sales for Entravision’s combined markets and sales operations & support for all markets. He most recently served as Entravision’s Senior Advisor to the CEO, guiding the development of Entravision’s new media model. Horton previously served as Chief Operating Officer at various media companies, including Liberman Broadcasting (the predecessor of Estrella Media and operator of the TelevisaUnivision affiliate in Puerto Rico) and Meruelo Media.

Podcasts Are Shifting Audience Behavior

Podcasts have surged to become a dominant force in daily digital media consumption, outpacing time spent on major social platforms and even surpassing streaming music in ad-supported audio.

U.S. adults now average 103 minutes per day listening to podcasts—more than TikTok (77 minutes), Facebook (69 minutes), or Instagram (65 minutes)—according to Edison Research data highlighted in a recent Audacy analysis.

Daily podcast listening among adults has nearly quadrupled over the past decade, climbing from 6% in 2015 to 23% in 2025 (per Edison's Share of Ear report). This growth isn't just additive; podcasts are displacing other habits—nearly 40% of listeners say podcast time replaces social media scrolling, and 34% say it replaces streaming music.

Podcasts now command an 11-point share advantage over streaming music in daily ad-supported digital audio consumption, a lead that began in 2023 as more music fans shift to ad-free subscriptions.

The medium's appeal lies in longer-form, trusted content and strong host-audience bonds. 76% of podcast listeners have purchased a product after hearing a host-read ad, driving robust advertiser interest.

Podcast ad revenue is projected to exceed $3 billion this year, with eMarketer forecasting it could represent over 40% of all digital audio advertising by 2027.In a fragmented media landscape, podcasts offer brands a highly engaged platform where audiences actively seek episodes and form deep connections with hosts.

Radio History: March 6

➦In 1905...James Robert Wills born (Died – May 13, 1975 at age 70).  He was a Western swing musician, songwriter, and bandleader. Considered by music authorities as the co-founder of Western swing, he was widely known as the King of Western Swing.

Wills formed several bands and played radio stations around the South and West until he formed the Texas Playboys in 1934 with Wills on fiddle, Tommy Duncan on piano and vocals, rhythm guitarist June Whalin, tenor banjoist Johnnie Lee Wills, and Kermit Whalin, who played steel guitar and bass.

The band played regularly on Tulsa, Oklahoma radio station KVOO and added Leon McAuliffe on steel guitar, pianist Al Stricklin, drummer Smokey Dacus, and a horn section that expanded the band's sound. Wills favored jazz-like arrangements and the band found national popularity into the 1940s with such hits as "Steel Guitar Rag", "New San Antonio Rose", "Smoke On The Water", "Stars And Stripes On Iwo Jima", and "New Spanish Two Step".

Wills and the Texas Playboys recorded with several publishers and companies, including Vocalion, Okeh, Columbia, and MGM, frequently moving.  Throughout the 1950s, he struggled with poor health and tenuous finances, but continued to perform frequently despite the decline in popularity of his earlier music as rock and roll took over. Wills had a heart attack in 1962 and a second one the next year, which forced him to disband the Playboys although Wills continued to perform solo.

The Country Music Hall of Fame inducted Wills in 1968 and the Texas State Legislature honored him for his contribution to American music.

Abbott & Costello

➦In 1906... Lou Costello born (Died from a heart attack at age 52 – March 3, 1959), was an actor, best known for his film comedy double act with straight man Bud Abbott.

Costello had started as an athlete, before working in burlesque on Broadway, where he stood-in for Abbott’s partner who had failed to show up. They formally teamed up in 1935. Their signature routine, "Who's on First?", was carried through to radio and then to their film debut One Night in the Tropics (1940) and Buck Privates (1941). The duo would go on to make 36 films.

During World War II, they were among the most popular entertainers in the world, and sold $85 million in war bonds. A winter tour of army bases caused a recurrence of the rheumatic fever which Costello had contracted in childhood, and his health was badly affected from then on, worsened by the death of his infant son. They launched their own long-running radio show in 1942, and then a live TV show.

But by 1955, they were felt to be overexposed, their film contract was terminated, and the partnership split soon afterwards.

➦In 1954...FM pioneer Edwin H Armstrong closed experimental KE2XCC.  The station began experimental broadcasts at 93.1 FM in June 1938 followed by full power broadcasting beginning on July 18, 1939.  Today the 93.1 FM frequency in NYC is occupied by WPAT-FM.