Radio History: Mar 1

➦In 1893...Nikola Tesla gave the first public demonstration of radio in St. Louis, although he had presented his work prior to this behind closed doors. Tesla first demonstrated wireless transmissions during a lecture in 1891. Just days before the St. Louis presentation, Tesla addressed the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, on February 23, 1893, describing in detail the principles of early radio communication.

Nikola Tesla

Tesla presented the fundamentals of radio in 1893 during his public presentation, "On Light and Other High Frequency Phenomena." Afterward, the principle of radio communication--sending signals through space to receivers--was widely publicized from Tesla's experiments and demonstrations.

Even before the development of the vacuum tube, Tesla’s descriptions contained all the elements that were later incorporated into radio systems. He initially experimented with magnetic receivers, unlike the coherers (detecting devices consisting of tubes filled with iron filings which had been invented by Temistocle Calzecchi-Onesti in 1884) used by Guglielmo Marconi and other early experimenters.

Radio offers another example of Tesla’s work receiving minimal or no long-term public acknowledgement. While Marconi is often credited with inventing the radio, this presentation by Tesla was recalled in courts several years later in invalidating Marconi patents.

Indeed, it, among other facts, pushed the United States Supreme Court in the 1943 case of Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America vs. the United States to state that "it is now held that in the important advance upon his basic patent Marconi did nothing that had not already been seen and disclosed."

To be true, what Tesla demonstrated had more scientific interest than practical use, but he believed that by taking the “Tesla oscillator,” grounding one side of it, and connecting the other to an insulated body of a large surface, it would be possible to transmit electric oscillations a great distance and to communicate intelligence in this way to other oscillators.

In 1898 at the Electrical Exhibition in New York, Tesla would successfully demonstrate a radio-controlled boat. For that work, he was awarded US patent No. 613,809 for a "Method of and Apparatus for Controlling Mechanism of Moving Vessels or Vehicles." Between 1895 and 1897, Tesla received wireless signals transmitted via short distances in his lectures. He transmitted over medium ranges during presentations made between 1897 and 1910.

➦In 1904...Alton Glenn Miller, the man whose name is synonymous with the big band era of the 1940’s, was born in Clarinda, Iowa (Died:  December 15, 1944 at age 40).

He was the best-selling recording artist from 1939 to 1943, leading one of the best-known big bands. Miller's recordings include "In the Mood", "Moonlight Serenade", "Pennsylvania 6-5000", "Chattanooga Choo Choo", "A String of Pearls", "At Last", "(I've Got a Gal In) Kalamazoo", "American Patrol", "Tuxedo Junction", "Elmer's Tune", and "Little Brown Jug".

In just four years Glenn Miller scored 16 number-one records and 69 top ten hits—more than Elvis Presley (38 top 10s) and the Beatles (33 top 10s) did in their careers. While he was traveling to entertain U.S. troops in France during World War II, Miller's aircraft disappeared in bad weather over the English Channel.

➦In 1914...Sportscaster Harry Caray born (real name Harry Christopher Carabina..died from a heart attack just shy of his 84th birthday February 18, 1998). He covered five Major League Baseball teams, beginning with 25 years of calling the games of the St. Louis Cardinals with two of these years also spent calling games for the St. Louis Browns.

After a year working for the Oakland Athletics and eleven years with the Chicago White Sox, Caray spent the last sixteen years of his career as the announcer for the Chicago Cubs.

Caray caught his break when he landed the job with the Cardinals in 1945 and, according to several histories of the franchise, proved as expert at selling the sponsor's beer as he'd been in selling the Cardinals on KMOX.

In 1982 he began 15 years of calling the Cubs games on superstation WGN which won him a national following.

➦In 1928...KGFJ Los Angles went on-air 1926. And on this date it became the first radio station in the United States to adopt a 24-hour broadcast schedule. Today, the station is known as KYPA 1230 AM and airs Korean-language programming.

➦In 1932...radio’s first great effort of on-the-spot news coverage began as NBC and CBS radio rushed to Hopewell, NJ to cover the kidnapping of the Charles and Anne Lindbergh baby.

➦In 1932...one of daytime radio’s comedic gems Easy Aces written by and starring Goodman Ace with his ditzy wife Jane, moved from local Chicago exposure to the full CBS network, three times a week. It would delight audiences on that schedule for much of the next 15 years.

➦In 1937..This ad appeared in Broadcasting magazine...

KOY was the first radio station in the state of Arizona, signing on in 1921 as Amateur Radio station 6BBH on 360 meters (833 kHz). Earl Nielsen was the holder of the 6BBH call sign (there were no country prefixes for hams prior to 1928). At that time, broadcasting by ham radio operators was legal.

In 1922, the station received its broadcast license, under the Nielsen Radio & Sporting Goods Company business name, with the callsign KFCB. While the KFCB call letters were sequentially assigned, the station adopted the slogan "Kind Friends Come Back" to match the callsign.

A Phoenix teenager and radio enthusiast named Barry Goldwater was one of the new station's first employees.

When the AM broadcast band was opened in 1923 by the Department of Commerce, KFCB moved around the dial, as did many stations at the time. It was on 1260, 1230, 1310, and 1390 before moving to its long-time home of 550 kHz in 1940. KFCB became KOY on February 8, 1929.

From 1932 to 1949, KOY was the CBS Radio Network affiliate for the Phoenix area.

In 1936, Earl Nielsen sold KOY to Prairie Farmer, dba Salt River Valley Broadcasting Company. He remained Station Manager for a couple of years. Prairie Farmer was the owner of WLS radio in Chicago at the time.

➦In 1941...The National Life and Accident Insurance Company, owners of WSM-AM , became the first commercial broadcaster in the U.S. to receive an FM license from the FCC in 1941. Originally known as W47NV, the station operated for about 10 years, until NL&AI realized that few area households had FM radio receivers and that its commercial potential was lacking. NL&AI shut down WSM-FM in 1951 and returned the license to the FCC.

Fox News, CNN: Report 'Epic Fury'

U.S. and Israeli forces launched massive joint airstrikes on Iran on Saturday, in Operation Epic

Fury, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with dozens of top regime officials, according to Israeli sources and confirmation from President Donald Trump. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases in the Gulf and targets in Israel, amid reports of over 200 deaths in Iran and warnings of further escalation.

Fox News and CNN provided intensive, real-time coverage of the unfolding crisis, with live updates, videos, maps, and expert analysis dominating their platforms.

Fox News framed the strikes as a decisive, historic success against a "militant terror regime," emphasizing military achievements such as the elimination of Khamenei (described as ending decades of anti-American rule and proxy warfare), degradation of Iran's missile defenses, and over 500 targets hit. Headlines and reporting celebrated the operation's effectiveness, highlighted Trump's direct oversight and regime-change messaging (including calls for Iranians to seize freedom), and portrayed Iranian retaliation negatively while featuring condemnations from Gulf states. Domestic critics, such as progressive Democrats questioning congressional authorization, received skeptical treatment. The overall tone was triumphant, hawkish, patriotic, and aligned with U.S.-Israeli perspectives, presenting the action as justified prevention of threats.

CNN reported the core facts similarly but adopted a more measured, neutral approach, focusing on verified developments like satellite imagery of damage in Tehran, casualty figures from Iranian sources, and initial Iranian claims (later contradicted) that leaders were safe. Coverage included visual elements such as strike maps, photo galleries of explosions, and analysis of risks—including potential wider war, legal questions about war powers and bypassing Congress, and international reactions ranging from Netanyahu's regime-toppling appeals to condemnations elsewhere. Expert commentary noted Iranian strategic errors but avoided endorsement, emphasizing procedural scrutiny and long-term implications. The tone remained cautious, fact-driven, and balanced, incorporating multiple viewpoints without cheerleading.

Both networks offered comprehensive, urgent reporting on this high-stakes event, reflecting their established editorial differences: Fox News with heavier emphasis on tactical victories and supportive framing, and CNN with greater inclusion of counterpoints, visuals, and risk assessment. Coverage continues to evolve amid ongoing retaliation and potential further strikes.

Cable News Goes Wall-To-Wall With Coverage

Major news coverage focused Saturday intensely on the joint U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran, which began early that day (around 1 a.m. local time in Iran, or overnight into Saturday morning U.S. time). 

This marked a dramatic escalation, with outlets describing it as one of the most significant military operations in the region in recent years.

Major Western media like The New York Times, The Washington Post, PBS, NBC News, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal ran live updates throughout the day, providing real-time developments, maps of strike locations, videos of explosions in Tehran and other cities, and statements from leaders. 

Coverage emphasized:

🔎The scale: Coordinated airstrikes (including hundreds of Israeli fighter jets and U.S. support) targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, missile sites, air defenses, Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) command centers, military airfields, and leadership compounds across cities like Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. Operations were codenamed "Roaring Lion" (Israel) and "Epic Fury" (U.S.).
🔎Key claims: U.S. President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" via video and Truth Social, stating goals included eliminating Iran's nuclear and missile programs, destroying its navy, and regime change. Both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Iranians to rise up and "take over your government." Trump later declared that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in an Israeli strike on his Tehran compound, with Israeli officials citing intelligence; however, Iranian state media denied this, insisting he was alive and in command (creating a major point of contention and uncertainty in reporting).
🔎Casualties and impact: Iranian sources reported over 200 deaths and hundreds injured early on, with strikes hitting military sites but also raising concerns about civilian areas (e.g., one report mentioned an unconfirmed school strike in southern Iran killing children). No U.S. casualties were initially reported from Iran's retaliation.

Iran's response dominated much of the afternoon/evening coverage: Iran launched retaliatory barrages of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel and U.S. military bases in the region (including in Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, and possibly Saudi Arabia). This led to air raid sirens across Israel, airspace closures in multiple countries, and fears of broader escalation.

International reactions were swift and widely covered:  

• The UN Security Council held an emergency session condemning the strikes.
• Al Jazeera provided extensive live blogging with perspectives from Iran, the region, and global responses, noting condemnations from some nations and calls for de-escalation.
• Outlets like Reuters, BBC, NPR, and The Guardian highlighted planning (months in advance, per Israeli sources) following failed nuclear talks in Geneva, and the strikes' aim to decapitate leadership and degrade capabilities.

Social media (especially X) amplified the news rapidly, with users sharing unverified videos of explosions, celebratory posts from some (e.g., Iranians hoping for regime change), and debates over Khamenei's fate. Conspiracy theories also circulated, but mainstream coverage stuck to official statements and verified reports.

Overall, the day's reporting portrayed this as a high-stakes, regime-change-oriented operation with immediate regional fallout, ongoing strikes promised by Trump "as long as necessary," and the world bracing for potential further retaliation or escalation. Coverage remained fluid and updating into the evening of February 28.

PSKY, WBD Sign Merger Deal

Paramount Skydance has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) in a deal valued at over $110 billion, including debt, creating one of the largest media mergers in recent history.

The all-cash transaction values WBD at $31 per share (roughly $77-81 billion in equity value), encompassing the Warner Bros. film studio, HBO Max streaming platform, CNN, and other cable networks. The boards of both companies unanimously approved the deal on February 27, 2026, with a shareholder vote expected in early spring 2026 and closing anticipated in the third quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

The agreement ends a intense bidding war, as Netflix withdrew its prior offer just a day earlier after declining to match Paramount Skydance's superior bid. Paramount Skydance raised its offer from $30 to $31 per share on Thursday, February 26, and includes a $7 billion reverse termination fee if regulators block the deal. If closing is delayed past September 30, 2026, WBD shareholders receive a $0.25 per share ticking fee per quarter.

The combined entity would unite iconic Hollywood studios and vast IP libraries—from Paramount's "The Godfather" and SpongeBob SquarePants to Warner Bros.' "Casablanca" and Batman—along with complementary streaming services (Paramount+ and Max) and networks including CBS and CNN. Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison (son of billionaire Larry Ellison), described the merger as creating greater value for audiences, partners, and shareholders through enhanced storytelling and talent opportunities.

The deal faces scrutiny from regulators and some Democrats in Congress, amid concerns over media consolidation.

PSKY Pays Netflix $2.8B In Break-Up Fees

Paramount Skydance has paid Netflix a $2.8 billion breakup fee, officially ending Netflix's planned acquisition deal with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and clearing the path for Paramount's superior bid to acquire WBD.

Netflix disclosed the payment in an SEC filing on Friday. The fee was transferred by Paramount Skydance (PSKY) on behalf of WBD as required under the terms of the terminated merger agreement between Netflix and WBD.

This development follows a heated bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery's assets. Netflix had an existing merger agreement with WBD, but Paramount Skydance submitted a revised all-cash offer valued at $31 per share, which WBD's board deemed a "Company Superior Proposal." 

To facilitate the switch, Paramount agreed to cover the $2.8 billion termination fee that WBD would have owed Netflix upon breaking the deal.

CNN: A Suddenly Uncertain Future

Netflix's stunning withdrawal Thursday from its bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery has cleared the path for Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison, to take control of the media giant—including its 24-hour news channel CNN.

The shift has sparked anxiety in CNN's newsroom over potential threats to editorial independence under Ellison, a technology heir who recently revamped CBS News by appointing conservative figures and opinion journalists to key roles.

CNN CEO Mark Thompson addressed staff concerns Friday on an editorial call, urging calm: “The business, rather British, of keeping calm and carrying on is actually probably the most sensible thing for us all to do.”

Reporters and producers fear that a Paramount acquisition could compromise CNN's prized independence, especially given Ellison's friendly ties to President Trump—who has long accused CNN of bias—and his history of influencing news operations.

When Ellison acquired Paramount last year, the Trump administration approved the deal after Paramount settled a lawsuit against 60 Minutes for $16 million. Ellison attended Trump's State of the Union as Senator Lindsey Graham's guest this week.

ESPN's Chris Berman Unveils Plans for Retirement

Legendary ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman plans to retire after the 2029 NFL season, concluding a remarkable 50-year career with the network.

The 70-year-old personality, affectionately known as "Boomer," made the announcement during a recent interview on the CNBC Sport podcast with host Alex Sherman. Berman, who joined ESPN just one month after its launch in September 1979, said he is currently semi-retired but intends to fulfill his existing contract through the end of the 2029 football season—at which point he will be nearly 75.

"I'll be almost 75, I think the nation's more than had enough of me," Berman quipped. "I'm semi-retired now. I'm just so proud of where we've been ... from Day 1 to getting a Super Bowl."

Buffalo Toronto Public Media to Realign 88.7 FM and 94.5 FM

Buffalo Toronto Public Media has announced it will move programming currently heard on 88.7 FM and 94.5 FM to better align programming and audience with BTPM’s frequencies. The realignment follows the recent conversion of 94.5 FM to an advertising-eligible license and is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the organization’s long-term financial sustainability after the loss of $2.2 million in annual federal funding.

The switch could happen as soon as May, but the date has not yet been determined.

“The federal funding cut put us in a difficult position,” said Tom Calderone, President & CEO of Buffalo Toronto Public Media. “But we are using this moment to think creatively — as we always have — about how we serve our community while protecting BTPM’s essential services. We still have details to finalize before the switch launches. However, we know how much our audiences value the stations they have listened to for decades, and we didn’t want to wait to share what’s ahead.”

Under the new alignment:

• BTPM Classical will move to 88.7 FM and continue operating under a sponsor-supported license. Because NPR will not allow its programming on an advertising-eligible station, Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me will be broadcast on 88.7. BTPM Classical will be available without those flagship NPR programs on an HD station, 89.7 WNJA in Jamestown, and on the BTPM Classical stream.
• BTPM NPR will be available on the BTPM NPR stream as well as on an HD station, 91.3 WOLN in Olean, and 88.1 WUBJ in Jamestown. Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me and other familiar programming will be available on the station. It will no longer broadcast BTPM The Bridge or Friday Night Lights high school sports games.
• 94.5 FM will become a reimagined, full-service station featuring local, national, and international news, public affairs, entertainment, sports, and music, supported by members and an advertising-eligible license. The as-yet-named station will also have a dedicated streaming option.
• BTPM The Bridge will retain its programming and format but will be on an HD station and will simulcast in the evening on 94.5 FM instead of 88.7 FM.

Because NPR does not allow its programming on advertising-eligible licenses, NPR content cannot be broadcast on 94.5 FM. This creates a significant benefit for listeners who prefer a largely talk-focused, 24/7 news and information service, uninterrupted by music or high school sports. The shift allows for a more purist NPR experience on BTPM NPR.

$34.5 Billion Charter-Cox Merger Passes FCC

The FCC has approved Charter Communications' $34.5 billion acquisition of Cox Communications, creating one of the largest cable and broadband providers in the United States.

The deal, first announced in May 2025, combines Charter (known for its Spectrum brand) with Cox's residential broadband, video, mobile, voice, advertising, and enterprise operations. The merged company will operate under the Cox name but retain the Spectrum brand for consumer services, surpassing competitors to become the nation's largest residential internet service provider with tens of millions of subscribers and broad coverage across dozens of states.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr hailed the approval as delivering major benefits for Americans. In a statement, Carr emphasized that the transaction will expand connectivity and economic opportunities in rural America through increased infrastructure investment, keep jobs based in the United States, provide customers with access to lower-priced plans, and include safeguards against what he described as “DEI discrimination” — referring to protections and commitments related to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies that the agency framed as preventing discriminatory practices.

R.I.P.: Neil Sedaka, Rock & Roll Legend

Neil Sedaka (1939-2026)

Neil Sedaka, the beloved singer-songwriter whose catchy pop hits like "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do," "Calendar Girl," "Laughter in the Rain," and "Oh! Carol" defined eras of rock 'n' roll and soft rock, died Friday at age 86 in Los Angeles.

He was hospitalized earlier that day after an undisclosed medical emergency and passed away shortly after, according to family statements and reports. No cause of death has been released.

"Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka," his family said in a statement. 

"A true rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions, but most importantly, at least to those of us who were lucky enough to know him, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed."

A Juilliard-trained pianist born in Brooklyn on March 13, 1939, Sedaka rose to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s as part of the Brill Building songwriting scene. He co-wrote and performed teen-oriented classics with lyricist Howard Greenfield, including "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen," "Stupid Cupid" (a hit for Connie Francis), and "Where the Boys Are." 

His boyish soprano voice and upbeat melodies captured the innocent spirit of pre-Beatles pop.After a career lull in the late 1960s, Sedaka staged a triumphant 1970s comeback with solo smashes like the No. 1 "Laughter in the Rain" and "Bad Blood," plus the Grammy-winning Captain & Tennille cover of his "Love Will Keep Us Together"—which famously ended with Toni Tennille's ad-lib "Sedaka is back!"

Sedaka's songs sold millions, were covered by artists from Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra to modern acts, and earned him enduring acclaim. He remained a tireless performer, playing dozens of concerts annually into his 80s, crediting his preserved vocal range and passion for the stage.

Short, dark-haired, and ever-smiling, the Brooklyn native from a Jewish family credited music with overcoming childhood challenges. A second-grade teacher spotted his talent, leading his mother to buy a used piano. He co-founded doo-wop group The Tokens early on and never stopped writing or performing, once telling interviewers the adrenaline of live audiences was an addictive "natural high."

Sedaka's legacy endures through timeless hits that bridged generations and his role as a prolific craftsman of American pop.

Radio History: Feb 28

➦In 1922...KHQ-AM, Spokane, Washington, signed-on in Seattle. Louis Wasmer founded the pioneer radio station as part of a motorcyle shop he owned. He later re-established the station in Spokane in 1925.

Although the KHQ calls are no longer used on the AM band, they still exist on TV.

The long time frequency of 590 kHz which KHQ used until 1985 is now occupied by KQNT.

The picture to the right is a view of the KHQ's tower on top of the Davenport Building probably from the 1940's based on the age of the automobiles pictured. KHQ was not using the tower at this time.

The KHQ and KGA signs are attached to the Radio Central Building which was being used by those station at that time.

➦In 1966...This is the 60th anniversary of KFRC 610 AM San Francisco flipping from MOR to Top 40.

In 1949, RKO-General acquired KFRC. Like most radio stations during the 1950s, KFRC lost ratings and share to television. In February 1966, KFRC flipped to a Top 40 rock and roll music format, and quickly became the dominant station in the region with that format through the 1970s, featuring the tight, carefully programmed sound developed by RKO General's national program director, Bill Drake, formerly of cross-town rival KYA, and program directors Tom Rounds and, later, Les Turpin.

It entered its second "golden era," which coincided with San Francisco’s Summer of Love, and featured legendary disc jockeys Mike Phillips, Ed Mitchell (Who later changed his name to Ed Hepp) , Bobby Dale, Jay Stevens, Sebastian Stone, K.O. Bayley (real name Bob Elliott), Dave Diamond, Charlie Van Dyke, Howard Clark, Dale Dorman, Mark Elliott, Frank Terry, Joe Conrad, Jim Carson, J.J. Johnson, and Bob Foster.

610 KFRC Fan · 50th Anniversary celebration to The Big 610, The Amazing AM - 610 KFRC Jingles

During the Drake era, KFRC was responsible for two memorable concerts.

\The station presented several prominent acts at the “The Beach Boys Summer Spectacular” at the Cow Palace in San Francisco in June 1966. On June 10 and 11, 1967, KFRC organized and hosted the Fantasy Fair and Magic Mountain Music Festival at the summit of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, California. Occurring one week before the more famous Monterey Pop Festival, the well-attended event is regarded as the first rock festival in history.

For several years, KFRC had extended local newscasts on its AM station, under the leadership of news director Bob Safford; however, management decided to curtail news coverage, so Safford and other news staff moved to other news broadcast departments in San Francisco, including KCBS Radio and KGO-TV.

➦In 1969...WABC 95.5 FM started the  “Love” format.  The station originally went on the air on May 4, 1948 under the call sign WJZ-FM  and in March 1953, the station's call letters were changed to WABC-FM following the merger of the American Broadcasting Company with United Paramount Theatres.

As most FM stations did during the medium's formative years, 95.5 FM simulcast the programming of its AM sister station.

In the early 1960s, however, WABC-FM began to program itself separately from 77 WABC-AM. During the 1962–63 New York City newspaper strike, the station carried an news format for 17 hours daily. Two-and-a-half years before WINS launched its own around-the-clock, all-news format in April 1965, it was the first attempt at an all-news format in the New York market.