Ryan Seacrest Spins Ratings Gold

In September, Sony Pictures Television handed the keys to its game show “Wheel of Fortune” to Ryan Seacrest, broadcasting’s iron man. Nielsen data show “Wheel of Fortune” averaging 7.9 million viewers through Dec. 1, up 3% from a year ago during longtime host Pat Sajak’s final season.

The LA Times reports “Wheel” has more viewers than every network nonsports prime-time series, with the exception of CBS’ “60 Minutes” and “Tracker.” More than 58 million people have tuned into some portion of the program this season. More people watch “Wheel” and Sony’s companion show “Jeopardy!” in the 7 p.m. hour than any single streaming service, including Netflix.

The bump in ratings for “Wheel” comes as traditional TV viewing continues to decline. The show gained viewers as the number of people watching TV overall fell 9% during the same period.

Durability has been a hallmark of “Wheel,” which on Jan. 6 marked 50 years since it premiered on NBC’s daytime lineup. The game, where contestants guess the letters of a mystery word or phrase, has been part of the TV landscape ever since, surviving huge changes that have splintered the mass audience.

But a major test for the popularity of any TV show is when the star is replaced. Sajak had hosted the syndicated version of “Wheel” since it launched in 1983 and became an evening ritual for millions of viewers. He decided to hang it up at the end of the 2023-24 season.

“It was a pivotal moment for us,” said Suzanne Prete, president of game shows for Sony. “It’s personal to the viewers. Pat is like a family member to them.”

Seacrest is a well-known quantity. He holds down mornings on KIIS 102.7 FM in Los Angeles, hosts “American Idol” and counts down the ball drop in Times Square for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” In 2023, he finished a successful six-year run as Kelly Ripa’s co-host on the daily talk show “Live.”

When Sony considered successors for “Wheel,” Seacrest was at the top of Prete’s wish list. “If I had the choice of anybody in the world, it would have been Ryan,” she said.

Jury Set for CNN Defamation Trial

Legal teams representing CNN and the U.S. Navy veteran suing the network for defamation wrapped up jury selection on Monday in Bay County, Florida.

Fox News Digital reports six women and two men were selected. There will be six jurors and two alternates when opening arguments kick off on Tuesday in the high-stakes trial. U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young alleges that CNN smeared him by implying he illegally profited when helping people flee Afghanistan on the "black market" during the Biden administration's military withdrawal from the country in 2021. 

Young believes CNN "destroyed his reputation and business" by branding him an "illegal profiteer" who exploited "desperate Afghans" during a November 11, 2021, segment that first aired on CNN’s "The Lead with Jake Tapper." 14th Judicial Circuit Court Judge William S. Henry, who is presiding over the trial, has ruled that Young "did not act illegally or criminally" despite what the network reported on air. Judge Henry has also suggested that CNN’s eventual on-air apology was inadequate. 

Potential jurors were peppered on their thoughts about the media, veterans, punitive damages, whether they own stock in CNN's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, what they do for a living and an assortment of other issues. The lengthy process began with the first prospective juror declaring, "I dislike the media, especially CNN," when asked if he could be fair. Another promptly said, "not a fan of CNN," when asked the same question. 

One prospective juror said CNN is too "liberal" for her tastes, one suggested that media organizations believe they can say anything about anyone and "pretend to be the victim" when called out, and another said he could be impartial, but added, "Nothing negative against CNN… I just don’t see things the way they do." 

At one point, the potential jurors were asked if they’d feel comfortable awarding someone more than $100 million in punitive damages. Nobody objected to that, as long as "evidence supports it."  

At least six potential jurors raised their hands when asked by Young’s attorney, Vel Freedman, if they believed CNN creates "fake news." This question came after one potential juror specifically called CNN by the "fake news" moniker. 

2025 Expected To Be Complex for Broadcasting

S&P Global Market Intelligence is out with their 2025 Trends report. Besides radio, the report discusses the broader media landscape and trends that may impact the radio industry.

Key Media Trends for 2025

• Convergence of Streaming, Cable and Wireless: The report highlights the increasing interconnectedness of streaming, cable and wireless services. This trend may influence radio's evolution, especially with the rise of digital broadcasting and podcasting.
• Shifting Sports Rights and Cable Write-Downs: Changes in sports rights and cable network dynamics could impact radio's role in broadcasting live events.
• Broadcast TV and Radio Outlook: The report notes challenges for radio, including struggles to recover from pandemic impacts and competition from streaming giants.

The report paints a complex picture for the US broadcast station industry in 2025. Here's the key points:

• Total Advertising Revenue: Projected to decline by 9.3%, dropping to $32.83 billion from $36.19 billion in 2024. This decline is attributed to the absence of election and Olympic advertising.
• Core Ad Verticals: Automotive, retail, and travel are still struggling due to inflation and high interest rates. However, pharmaceuticals, telecom, and professional services are expected to outperform other categories.
• Radio Ad Revenue: Expected to decline by 3.3% in 2025, reaching $10.86 billion, with minimal recovery projected, stabilizing at $10.80 billion by 2029.Local Advertising: Continues to outperform national ad markets, benefiting from deep community ties. However, digital-native platforms are rapidly siphoning ad budgets as content migrates from linear to streaming formats.
• Streaming Audio and Podcasting: Podcasting has emerged as a standout segment, projected to become the largest ad revenue growth driver in the US market. Monthly podcast listeners grew by 13% year-over-year in 2024, reaching an estimated 135 million. Edison Research reported that 47% of the US population aged 12 and older listened to a podcast in the past month, a five-point increase from 2023. Familiarity with podcasting also climbed to 84%.

Economic Insights for 2025  While not radio-specific, the report's economic insights provide context for the media industry's outlook:

• Renewed Inflationary Pressures: Expected to pause the Fed's easing cycle, leading to less accommodative global financial conditions.
• Divergent National Inflation Dynamics: Inflation trends will differ across regions, with renewed pressures in the US and disinflationary forces in Western Europe and mainland China.
• Persistent US Dollar Strength: The US dollar's strength may impact international trade and investment in the media sector.

Houston Radio: The Bull Corrals Frito & Katy For Mornings

Audacy welcomes Tucker “Frito” Young and Katy Dempsey as morning show co-hosts on 100.3 The Bull (KILT-FM) in Houston. The new morning show “Frito & Katy” will broadcast weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. C.T. beginning January 10.

“The duo’s passion for relentlessly serving the local community as well as their focus on local content on-air is perfect for Houston,” said Sarah Frazier, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Houston. “We can’t wait for our audience to start their days with this award-winning show.”

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd wind up back in my hometown to do radio with the station I grew up listening to. We are beyond excited to work with Sarah Frazier, Melissa Chase and all the pros at Audacy,” said Dempsey. “We can't wait to start serving the great listeners of 100.3 The Bull and the city of Houston!"

Born and raised in Texas, Tucker “Frito” Young and Katy Dempsey are co-hosts with dynamic personalities and recipients of many accolades, including the 2024 CMA Award for Major Market Personality, a 2021 Marconi Award, several Crystal awards and the Bonner McLane Award for Community Service from the Texas Association of Broadcasters.

📻Listeners can tune in to 100.3 The Bull (KILT-FM) in Houston on-air and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station via X, Facebook and Instagram.

Allstate Gets Social Media Mayhem For 'Tone-Deaf' Message

Allstate CEO Tom Wilson

 

Allstate was criticized for a video message delivered during the Sugar Bowl.

“Allstate CEO Tom Wilson has ‘ignited a firestorm of backlash’ on social media with a video statement addressing last week's terror attack in New Orleans, in which he suggested Americans have an ‘addiction to divisiveness’ and must ‘accept people's imperfections and differences,’” according to Sports Business Journal. 

Wilson went on to invite viewers to “join Allstate working in local communities all across America to amplify the positive, increase trust and accept people's imperfections and differences. Together we win." 

Allstate “appeared to wipe its social media of a video message,” according to Fox News. “The video was received poorly online, with many Allstate customers threatening to boycott the company over its ‘tone-deaf’ messaging.”

A jihadist killed dozens of innocent Americans in a hate-fueled rampage, and the CEO of Allstate thinks Americans watching the Sugar Bowl need a talk from him on overcoming “an addiction to divisiveness and negativity?” pic.twitter.com/NSYoTSSWmA

— JOSH DUNLAP (@JDunlap1974) January 3, 2025

Meanwhile, McDonald’s is the latest corporation to alter its diversity, equity and inclusion policies, reports Media Post.

“Citing the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision banning affirmative action in college admissions and the ‘evolving landscape around DEI,’ the fast-food giant said Monday it would no longer set goals to increase diversity in senior leadership,” per USA Today. “It also said it would end a program that encouraged suppliers to increase diversity in their ranks, rebranded its diversity team as the ‘Global Inclusion Team’ and paused external surveys.”

The name change is “more fitting for McDonald’s in light of our inclusion value and better aligns with this team’s work,” McDonald’s said in the statement. 

“The burger giant didn’t elaborate, but several other companies, including Lowe’s and Ford Motor Co., suspended their participation in an annual survey by the Human Rights Campaign that measures workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees,” noted The Associated Press. 

Despite how the changes are being characterized in the media, McDonald's said it has not abandoned its mission to maintain a diverse workforce. 

Portland OR Radio: Ryan Cooley New SVP/MM For Audacy

Audacy has named Ryan Cooley Senior Vice President and Market Manager of its Portland market. 

In this role, Cooley will oversee the market’s portfolio of brands including 1080 The Fan (KFXX-AM), 92.3 KGON (KGON-FM), ESPN 910 (KMTT-AM), 94/7 Alternative Portland (KNRK-FM), Bella 105 (KRSK-FM), 99.5 The Wolf (KWJJ-FM), 97.1 Charlie (KYCH-FM), CHANNEL Q (KRSK-HD2) and 94/7 Too (KNRK-HD2).

Ryan Cooley

“Ryan’s leadership, extensive broadcast experience and love for the Portland community make him a valuable asset to the market,” said Doug Abernethy, Regional President, Audacy. “We look forward to seeing him take on this new role and guide the Portland team to achieve even greater success.”

“I’m honored to be named Audacy Portland’s next Senior Vice President and Market Manager. I started with this incredible group of stations 20 years ago and being entrusted with the opportunity to help this team reach its full potential is something I don’t take lightly,” said Cooley. “This team is truly special, these radio stations are iconic and the people here are the heart of everything we do. Together, we’re excited to build on this legacy and continue shaping the future of radio in Portland.”

Cooley began his career at Audacy in 2005 as a Sales Associate and climbed the ranks leading teams in Portland, Boston and San Francisco. He helped launch 95.7 The Game in San Francisco (KGMZ-FM) and directed new business development and account growth for WEEI (WEEI-FM) in Boston. Additional roles include Account Executive, Local Sales Manager, General Sales Manager and, most recently, Director of Sales.

Columbia SC Radio: New Morning Show Launches At WTCB

Cumulus Media announces that Columbia, SC, Adult Contemporary station B106.7 (WTCB-FM) will launch a new live and local morning show on Tuesday, January 7th.

“The Midlands Morning Show” will feature on-air hosts Kaylin Mozdzen and Leo “LB” Baldwin and can be heard Monday through Friday from 6:00am-11:00am. The new program, which is the first live and local morning show to be heard on the station in seven years, will deliver a fresh local flavor, hometown perspective and high energy to morning drive in Columbia.

Kaylin Mozdzen is the 2024 South Carolina Broadcasters Association Radio Personality of the Year. In addition to her new role as Morning Co-Host, Kaylin will continue as Midday host for B106.7 weekdays from 11:00am-4:00pm, where she has entertained Columbia’s at-work crowd since January 2023. She has previously co-hosted a popular morning show in Utica-Rome, NY.

Morning Co-Host Leo “LB” Baldwin is also Program Director and Operations Manager for Cumulus Columbia. He moves to mornings on B106.7 from afternoons (4:00pm-7:00pm), which he has hosted since June 2023. LB previously anchored mornings in Honolulu, HI.

Tammy O’Dell, Regional Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Columbia/Florence, said: "We're excited to launch this vibrant morning show for the Midlands audience. Kaylin and LB will bring energy, fun, and great music LIVE and LOCAL for our B106.7 audience every morning. It's a great way to wake up in the Midlands and an excellent opportunity for our local business community to connect with this audience."

Black Information Net Names Terry Fox VP/News & Content

BIN: Black Information Network has announced Terry Foxx will join as Vice President of News and Content effective immediately.

In his new role, Foxx will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of BIN: Black Information Network’s newsroom and its team of journalists, with a focus on development of news content and original programming.

Terry Fox

“I am excited to have Terry join BIN: Black Information Network,” said Tony Coles, President, BIN: Black Information Network. “In today’s rapidly changing media landscape, the role of news in shaping public discourse has never been more important. We’re confident his contributions will strengthen our position as a leader in delivering inclusive and impactful news and content to our audiences.”

Prior to his new role with BIN, Foxx served as Regional Director of Talk Programming for iHeartMedia Austin/San Antonio. His career includes roles at KUT-FM, University of Texas and major stations such as WPLJ-FM New York, B96 Chicago, KKDA-FM Dallas, and WZGC-FM Atlanta. Foxx has earned numerous accolades for his programming expertise and on-air talent, including recognition as one of Radio Ink’s Top African American Leaders in 2024.

“I am thrilled to contribute to the growth and success of BIN: Black Information Network,” said Foxx. “BIN is a vital platform for amplifying diverse voices and delivering trusted, relevant news to our communities. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact and further strengthen the connection between BIN and the audiences we serve.”

Madison Radio: Mid-West Family Promotes Hawke, Bishop

Randy Hawke and Lyndsey Bishop

Mid-West Family Madison has announced the promotion of Randy Hawke to General Manager and Lyndsey Bishop to Vice President of Business Development. These key leadership changes represent the company’s continued commitment to growth, innovation, and excellence within the broadcasting and media landscape.

Randy Hawke has been a cornerstone of Mid-West Family Madison for over 22 years. Having served as VP of Programming, Randy has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, a deep understanding of the market, and a passion for community-focused media. As General Manager, Randy will oversee the day-to-day operations of the stations/company, working closely with the leadership team.

“I am thrilled to step into this new role and look forward to the exciting journey ahead,” said Hawke. “Mid-West Family Madison has always been a company rooted in its community, and I am committed to ensuring we continue to innovate and grow while staying true to our core values. I’m honored to lead such a dedicated team as we navigate the evolving media landscape.”

Lyndsey Bishop has been promoted to Vice President of Business Development. She first made a lasting impact at Mid-West Family Madison from 2014 to 2017 and made a triumphant return in May 2023. In her return, Lyndsey played a key role in driving Mid-West Family Madison’s digital success with her innovative strategies and exceptional leadership. Bishop is the perfect person to lead the company to new heights! She is known for her ability to build strong, lasting relationships, both within the company and across the industry.

“I’m excited to take on this new challenge and continue to contribute to Mid-West Family Madison’s success,” said Bishop. “The future holds incredible opportunities for us, and I’m eager to help drive the company toward new milestones. My focus will be on driving sales growth, improving client retention, holding our team accountable for outstanding results, and recruiting talented individuals to help us achieve our goals. Together with the dedicated team here, I am confident we will continue to achieve great things.”

“We are incredibly excited about the future of Mid-West Family Madison with these leadership changes,” said Tom Walker, President of Mid-West Family Madison. “Randy and Lyndsey are both passionate and accomplished professionals who have long been integral to our team. Their new roles will help propel the company forward as we work toward achieving new heights in our commitment to community engagement, creative content, and business growth.”

iHM Promotes Sparrow, Faison To Key Sales Positions

iHeartMedia has announced Nicky Sparrow has been elevated to Executive Vice President of Multicultural Sales and Dee Dee Faison has been elevated to Vice President of Multicultural Partnerships and Alliances effective immediately. Sparrow and Faison will report to Tony Coles, President of Multicultural Business and Development.

In her new role, Sparrow will continue to focus on driving results for advertising partners by leveraging iHeartMedia’s unparalleled assets including broadcast radio, podcast, digital, data and events platforms as well as The Black Effect Podcast Network and My Cultura Podcast Network serving multicultural audiences across the country.

In her new position as Vice President of Multicultural Partnerships and Alliances, Faison will play a pivotal role in building and driving best-in-class comprehensive partner programs, including the development and execution strategy to further expand and scale iHeartMedia’s strategic multicultural initiatives.

Nicky Sparrow, Dee Dee Faison

“We’re excited to officially elevate Nicky and Dee Dee to our executive team,” said Coles. “These talented leaders bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective that will be instrumental in driving our mission forward of connecting our clients and partners with iHeartMedia’s multicultural audiences.”

Sparrow, a seasoned media industry leader, has built an impressive 25-year career at iHeartMedia, excelling in high-level management and sales roles across major markets. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President of Multicultural Sales. Committed to giving back, Sparrow serves on the board of directors for the Radio Advertising Bureau, Florida Association of Broadcasting, The First Tee of North Florida and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In recognition of her philanthropic efforts, she was named St. Jude’s 2024 Partner of the Year.

Dee Dee Faison, a 24-year veteran of the media and entertainment industry, joined iHeartMedia in 2020 as the Director of Client Success after leading event strategy and marketing for WBLS in New York. Her career includes roles at Sony Music and Initiative Media, as well as work with high-profile clients such as the Food and Drug Administration, Toyota, McDonald’s and Wells Fargo. Faison is a graduate of Howard University.

Fubo Shares Surge

Disney will combine its Hulu+ Live TV service with Fubo, merging together two internet TV bundles, the companies announced Monday. Fubo stock, which closed Friday at just $1.44 per share, surged 250% Monday.

CNBC reports Disney will become majority owner of the resulting company — the publicly traded Fubo company — with a 70% ownership stake. Fubo shareholders will own the remaining 30% of the company. The deal is expected to close in 12 to 18 months.

Both Hulu+ Live TV and Fubo are streaming services that mimic the traditional cable TV bundle, offering linear TV networks. Together the streaming services have 6.2 million subscribers.

Both services will still be available separately to consumers after the deal closes. Hulu+ Live TV can be streamed through the Hulu app, as well as part of Disney’s bundle that also includes Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+.The deal doesn’t include the streamer Hulu, known for creating original content like “Only Murders in the Building” and “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which competes with platforms like Netflix

“We are now stewards of an iconic brand with respect to Hulu,” said Fubo co-founder and CEO David Gandler during a Monday call with investors. He added that Hulu+ Live TV’s place embedded inside the Hulu ecosystem adds value by way of user retention.

“Having two separate platforms today, obviously, it’s not ideal,” Gandler said during the call. “We believe there are synergies on the backend. ... But at the moment we really want to provide consumers with choice.”

Gandler noted that while Fubo has long been focused on offering sports and news, Hulu+ Live TV is known for its entertainment offerings, too.

Diamond Sports Emerges from Bankruptcy

Diamond Sports Group, the largest regional sports network operator in the US, has successfully emerged from bankruptcy. RSN operator is now called Main Street Sports Group. After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2023, the company received court approval for its reorganization plan, paving the way for a financial restructuring .

Key Highlights of the Reorganization Plan:

• Debt Reduction: Diamond Sports' debt will decrease from approximately $9 billion to $200 million.
• New Capital Structure: The company will operate with a substantially strengthened balance sheet and greater financial flexibility.
• Partnerships: Diamond Sports has secured prominent partnerships, including a naming rights deal with FanDuel and a commercial agreement with Amazon.
• Team Rights: The company retains rights to 27 MLB, NBA and NHL teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead:  Diamond Sports faces ongoing challenges in the regional sports network industry, including cord-cutting and diminishing advertising revenue. However, the company's partnerships with FanDuel and Amazon signal a shift towards innovative streaming and sports betting solutions.

Future Outlook: As Diamond Sports emerges from bankruptcy, it is poised to operate sustainably through market-aligned rights agreements, linear and direct-to-consumer distribution frameworks and prominent third-party partnerships. The company's rebranding as the FanDuel Sports Network reflects its evolving focus on integrated media and gambling.

Bloomberg Business of Entertainment Reports Ready For All Formats

Bloomberg Audio, the leading provider of radio business news in the United States, and Key Networks, a next generation radio syndication company, announce the launch of Bloomberg Business of Entertainment, a new 60-second radio report that takes listeners behind the scenes of the entertainment industry’s biggest stories.

In Bloomberg Business of Entertainment, Bloomberg's Lisa Mateo and Karen Moskow cover the ever-changing habits of how media is consumed - from movies to music - in a compelling and revealing one-minute listener-friendly format. The report will also focus on the challenges and struggles of film, cable television, streaming media, social media, and more. 

The Bloomberg Business of Entertainment report is suitable for virtually all formats and includes a 60-second spot, distributed once a day for airing Monday through Friday. The report is distributed to radio stations nationwide, in major markets including New York and Los Angeles.

Michael Lysak, Head of Bloomberg Radio Syndication, said: "The entertainment business has always been fascinating to watch, but it has never been at a more crucial crossroads than it is today. The storyline of the industry itself has all of the drama of a Hollywood blockbuster."

Dennis Green, Chief Operating Officer, Key Networks, said: “Bloomberg’s team continues to add content that interests its listeners with the new Business of Entertainment feature. The team at Bloomberg will bring the stories that make news in this area to light. We look forward to stations adding this important content to their lineups.”

VSiN Returning To SiriusXM

SiriusXM and VSiN have a deal to bring the sports betting programming network started by Brent Musburger and his family back to SiriusXM airwaves starting Jan. 17. 

VSiN was partnered with SiriusXM from its start in 2017 through 2020. At the start of 2021, VSiN was acquired by DraftKings for $70M, but this past summer, DraftKings sold the company back to its founders. 

In addition to VSiN getting a 24/7 channel on SiriusXM, the two sides will collaborate on the production of a new show that will air exclusively on Mad Dog Sports Radio in primetime on weeknights. “VSiN Live on Mad Dog Sports Radio” will be hosted by Patrick Meagher and Dustin Swedelson and debuts Monday night.

Detroit Radio: 910 AM Adds Michael DelGiorno For Wake-Up Duty

Adell Media has announced the addition of "Your Morning Show with Michael DelGiorno" to 910 AM – Detroit's News Talk Superstation (WFDF-AM), airing live weekdays from 6:00 am to 9:00 am ET. 

This milestone marks the 50th affiliate for the program, which joined Premiere Networks' national lineup in October 2024.

With its motto "So much information, so little understanding," DelGiorno's show delivers entertaining discussions that transcend news and politics, incorporating lifestyle, pop culture and humor. The program aims to kick-start listeners' days with fun, witty and insightful conversations.

"Michael DelGiorno is an ideal addition to our impressive weekday lineup, featuring the biggest names in talk radio," said Kevin Adell, CEO of Adell Media. "Our conservative talk format has seen incredible audience gains in just over a year, and we're excited for continued growth and success as a leading source for news and information in our community."

"I'm thrilled to return home to Michigan, starting the day off right on Detroit's Superstation," said DelGiorno, a Flint native. "And, who knows, maybe I'll even get to celebrate my Lions' first Super Bowl win!"

CBS Says Golden Globes Attracted 10.1M Viewers

An average of 10.1 million viewers tuned into the 82nd Golden Globes across CBS and Paramount+, Dick Clark Productions said Monday, roughly matching the audience for last year's broadcast. according to AP News.

CBS reported ratings figures from VideoAmp rather than the industry standard audience measurement service, Nielsen. Paramount Global, which owns CBS, is in a contract dispute with Nielsen.

At a time when most traditional linear telecasts are in decline, holding steady from last year's Globes' audience was sure to count as a success for the Nikki Glaser-hosted broadcast. Last year's show, the Globes' first on CBS, drew an audience of 9.4 million, though that was according to Nielsen.

Before the pandemic, though, the Globes typically drew closer to 20 million viewers. In 2020, 18.4 million watched the Globes.

But the Globes were teetering on the brink of termination as recently as two years ago. After The Los Angeles Times reported that the HFPA had no Black members, Hollywood boycotted the organization and the 2022 Globes were booted off the air. NBC aired the 2023 edition and then dropped the awards show.

Radio History: Jan 7

➦In 1904...The Marconi Company made a proposal that there be an international radio distress signal in Morse Code.

“C.Q.D” meant “Stop Sending and Listen” although many eventually thought it to mean “Come, Quick, Danger”. The code was replaced in 1908 by “S.O.S.” because it was quicker to transmit by wireless radio and could not be misinterpreted.

➦In 1924...composer George Gershwin began work on the incomparable score of “Rhapsody in Blue” (he completed it some three weeks later). George was only 26 years old at the time.

➦In 1927...First established commercial telephone service between North America and Europe.

Using radio, the American Telephone and Telegraph Co hosted a two-way conversation between New York and London. The two parties on the line were Walter S Gifford, the president of AT&T, in NY, and Sir Evelyn Murray, the Secretary of the General Post Office, which managed the British telephone system at the time.

➦In 1939...comedian Red Skelton was given his first national starring vehicle as ‘Avalon Time’ debuted on the NBC Red radio network.

➦In 1940...Gene Autry’s "Melody Ranch" debuted on the CBS Radio Network. It stayed on the air for 16 years.

➦In 1941...The NBC Blue Radio Network debuted "The Squeaky Door". The show was later became known as "Inner Sanctum." Raymond Edward Johnson was ‘Raymond your host’ for the first 4 seasons.  Thereafter an even more malevolent (but nameless) host was portrayed by Paul McGrath until the final Sanctum show in October 1952.

Nikola Tesla

➦In 1943...Inventor Nikola Tesla, best remembered for his design of the alternating current (AC) electricity supply system and his contributions to the invention of radio communication, died of a coronary thrombosis at the age of 86.

Tesla's theories on the possibility of the transmission by radio waves go back as far as lectures and demonstrations in 1893 in St. Louis, Missouri, the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the National Electric Light Association.  Tesla's demonstrations and principles were written about widely through various media outlets. Many devices such as the Tesla Coil were used in the further development of radio.

In 1898, Tesla demonstrated a radio-controlled boat—which he dubbed "teleautomaton"—to the public during an electrical exhibition at Madison Square Garden.  The crowd that witnessed the demonstration made outrageous claims about the workings of the boat, such as magic, telepathy, and being piloted by a trained monkey hidden inside. Tesla tried to sell his idea to the U.S. military as a type of radio-controlled torpedo, but they showed little interest.   Remote radio control remained a novelty until World War I and afterward, when a number of countries used it in military programs.

Philly Radio: Howard Eskin Denies He Grabbed Female Colleague

Former 94.1 WIP radio host Howard Eskin has denied allegations that he “forcibly grabbed” a female colleague during an argument that led to his abrupt departure from the station in December.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Friday that Eskin grabbed the woman — an employee of Audacy, the station’s parent company — during an escalated argument on Dec. 9 following a remote broadcast at a Chickie’s & Pete’s sports bar location in South Philadelphia

“I had hoped to avoid commenting on my departure from WIP but the vicious smear campaign being waged against me by a small group of employees at the station forces me to defend myself,” Eskin posted Saturday on X. “There was absolutely no ‘physical altercation’ between me and a female employee at the station. I did not ‘forcibly grab’ anyone.”

According to The NYPost, Eskin continued that the woman “interrupted” him during “an important conversation” with Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham after they’d gone off the air “and I raised my voice irritated at the interruption.”

“She stormed away and I followed her and tapped her arm to get her attention to apologize and explain why I was upset,” Eskin wrote. “I did not grab her. I apologized three times. She wouldn’t accept my apology or hear me out.

“The amount of piling on since has been disappointing to say the least. I am only commenting because in all the years of a very public life I have never put a hand on anyone. I can’t tolerate these lies. As they say, don’t believe everything you read in the paper or on social media.”

The woman, the Inquirer reported, had interrupted the conversation to inform Graham that a group of fans seeking autographs was waiting for him.

Over the summer, Eskin had been banned from Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies’ home stadium — but maintained his WIP radio gig after issuing a public apology — after an Aramark employee accused him of giving her an “unwelcome kiss” before a game.

Eskin hosted a show on Saturday mornings on the station and served as a sideline reporter for Eagles broadcasts.

Audacy announced before Christmas that the network had “parted ways” with him and was replaced by Devan Kaney on the sidelines for the Eagles’ Dec. 29 game against the Cowboys.

Skip Bayless Accused of Indecent Proposal

Skip Bayless was hit with a sexual harassment lawsuit Friday after allegedly offering hairstylist Noushin Faraji $1.5 million for sex, among other repeated, unwanted advances, according to The Wrap.

Also named as co-defendants in the suit were his former employer Fox Sports, where Faraji was employed as a hairstylist for over a decade 2012–2024, and its parent company, Fox Corporation. FS1, FS2, Fox Sports EVP Charlie Dixon and FS1 host Joy Taylor are also named.

Faraji asked for undisclosed monetary compensation for herself and other non-exempt Fox employees in California.

According to court documents obtained and reviewed by TheWrap, Dixon is accused of approaching Faraji at a birthday party in 2017, putting his arm on her lower back and moving “his hand lower and … rubbing her body and grabbing her buttocks.”

Bayless — who has been married since 2016 — is accused of pursuing Faraji for years and commenting that he could “change” her life if they had sex. In 2021, Faraji had a cancer scare and confided in Bayless, the documents say, in hopes that he would stop pursuing her.

“Instead, Mr. Bayless told her that he wanted to be with her,” the documents continue. “Ms. Faraji panicked and began rambling that there were cameras everywhere, that she has a child, and that she does not want him. Mr. Bayless then grabbed her hands, began kissing them and offered her $1.5 million to have sex. Ms. Faraji made an excuse to leave.”

The suit also claims that Bayless continued to be aggressive toward the hairstylist. In 2022 he reportedly accused her of having sex with host Shannon Sharpe and Faraji felt her job was threatened.

Faraji is seeking compensatory damages, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, attorney’s fees and a trial by jury.

First Media Consolidation of 2025 Unveiled

FuboTV Inc. and The Walt Disney Company today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for Disney to combine its Hulu + Live TV business with Fubo, forming a combined virtual MVPD company. The Transaction will enhance consumer choice by making available a broad set of programming offerings, and is subject to regulatory approvals, Fubo shareholder approval, and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

Under the terms of the definitive agreement, at closing, Disney will own 70% of Fubo. Fubo’s existing management team, led by Fubo Co-founder and CEO David Gandler, will operate the newly combined Fubo and Hulu + Live TV businesses.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Disney to create a consumer-first streaming company that combines the strengths of the Fubo and Hulu + Live TV brands,” said Gandler. “This combination enables us to deliver on our promise to provide consumers with greater choice and flexibility. Additionally, this agreement allows us to scale effectively, strengthens Fubo’s balance sheet and positions us for positive cash flow. It’s a win for consumers, our shareholders, and the entire streaming industry.”

“This combination will allow both Hulu + Live TV and Fubo to enhance and expand their virtual MVPD offerings and provide consumers with even more choice and flexibility,” said Justin Warbrooke, Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Development, The Walt Disney Company. “We have confidence in the Fubo management team and their ability to grow the business, delivering high-quality offerings that serve subscribers with the content they want and offering great value.”

Combined Business to Provide Enhanced Consumer Choice

Fubo and Hulu + Live TV each provide customers the ability to stream a broad array of live broadcast and cable networks on their connected TVs, mobile phones, tablets, and other internet-connected devices.

Combining the businesses of Fubo and Hulu + Live TV — which together have over 6.2 million subscribers in North America — will facilitate an enhanced choice of programming packages and address a variety of consumer preferences at attractive price points.

In connection with the Transaction, Disney will enter into a new carriage agreement with Fubo that will allow Fubo to create a new Sports & Broadcast service, featuring Disney’s premier sports and broadcast networks including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, as well as ESPN+.

Fubo and Hulu + Live TV will continue to be available to consumers as separate offerings post-closing. Hulu + Live TV, a leader in entertainment programming, will continue to be streamed in the Hulu app and be offered as part of the attractive bundle with Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+. Fubo, which streams more than 55,000 live sporting events annually, will continue to serve its subscribers in the Fubo app.

Transaction Details and Litigation Settlement

In conjunction with the Transaction, Fubo has settled all litigation with Disney and ESPN related to Venu Sports, the previously announced sports streaming platform planned by ESPN, FOX and Warner Bros. Discovery. Fubo has also settled all litigation with FOX and Warner Bros. Discovery.

S-F Radio: Go Fund Me Set-Up to Benefit KGO Icon Ronn Owens

Ronn Owens, the beloved Bay Area radio personality who shaped the airwaves for nearly five decades, says he is facing significant financial hardship after enduring a series of health challenges.

The S-F  Chronicle reports the 79-year-old former KGO host, whose voice became synonymous with San Francisco talk radio, revealed in a Facebook post on New Year’s Eve that his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease, along with multiple bouts of cancer, heart issues and recent hospitalizations, has left him struggling to keep up with medical costs.

“Life has thrown a few more punches my way,” Owens wrote on Tuesday, Dec. 31. “It’s been a rough road, and honestly, it’s hard to admit that the financial strain has become overwhelming on top of everything else.”

Owens, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2001, retired from KGO in 2021 — shortly before the station’s longtime news-talk format was discontinued. 

A fixture in the Bay Area media landscape, KGO had been the region’s top-rated radio station for decades, with Owens hosting influential guests like President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his tenure. 

For much of his career, KGO was the station where the Bay Area’s daily news agenda was set, and Owens was its trusted voice.

Despite his long-standing success, Owens acknowledged that he never imagined a time when he would need financial assistance.

A member of both the National Radio Hall of Fame and the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame, Owens has seen his health decline over the years, with Parkinson's disease complicating his recovery from other illnesses, including COVID-19 and pneumonia.

Friends and family have set up a GoFundMe page to help Owens cover his mounting medical expenses, including a recent extended hospital stay. The goal is set for $60,000.

Owens, now living in Arizona with his wife, Jan Black, expressed his gratitude for the support, thanking the community that has been integral to his career.

Biden Scolds Reporters

President Biden gave some parting attacks to the press during a public White House event Sunday night.

Fox News’ Lucas Tomlinson reported that after signing the Social Security Fairness Act, Biden took a few questions from the crowd which led the president to target President-elect Donald Trump.

"Do you still believe he’s a threat to democracy?" a reporter asked.

"I think what he did was a genuine threat to democracy," Biden responded.

After responding to the allegation that Trump plans to end birthright citizenship, Biden switched the topic to attacking the reporters.

"I might be the oldest president, but I know more world leaders than any one of you have ever met in your whole goddamn life!" Biden said.

The most civil, decent, and devoutly Catholic president we’ve ever had. 🙄 https://t.co/O9cK0WuLH9

— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) January 5, 2025

Many X users quickly blasted the comment. 

CES 2025 Sets The Stage For The Year Ahead

CES, the annual technology extravaganza hosted by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), kicks off the new year Tuesday with over 150,000 industry attendees and 4,000 exhibitors converging in Las Vegas. It’s not just the first big tech event of the year—it’s the one that sets the tone for the next twelve months of innovation.

As Kinsey Fabrizio, President of the CTA, put it in an interview last week, “Every company is a tech company now, and CES reflects that reality. We’ve gone from being the Consumer Electronics Show to the ‘Consumer Everything Show.’” In fact, the CTA has fully embraced this evolution, officially dropping the phrase "Consumer Electronics Show" from its branding years ago.

According to Forbes, this transformation has been decades in the making. CES has grown far beyond its roots as a showcase for gadgets and electronics. Today, it spans categories as diverse as automotive, health tech, extended reality (XR), and wearables. “From tractors by John Deere to AI-driven health diagnostics and prototypes of autonomous vehicles, CES is where the future comes to life,” said Fabrizio.

What to Expect at CES 2025

CES 2025 promises to be an exciting blend of established tech trends and emerging innovations. Among the highlights are keynotes from two industry heavyweights: Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, and Samsung.

Huang’s keynote is expected to spotlight Nvidia’s role in powering the AI revolution. “We’re thrilled to have Jensen kick off CES,” said Fabrizio. “His insights into AI and its applications across industries are going to set the tone for the show.” Nvidia’s influence spans far beyond gaming GPUs—it’s shaping the future of generative AI, autonomous vehicles, and data centers.

Meanwhile, Samsung’s keynote may offer a glimpse into its much-anticipated AR headset, a move that could accelerate the adoption of extended reality technologies. As CES continues to be a launchpad for breakthroughs, this presentation is one to watch.

Here’s a quick guide to some of the key zones and themes at CES 2025:

• Mobility: Automotive tech has become a centerpiece of CES. From EVs to autonomous systems, major players like BMW and Hyundai will showcase their latest innovations. Fabrizio highlighted this shift: “CES went from featuring aftermarket car tech to full-scale OEM exhibits. Today, it’s a destination for transformative mobility stories.”
• Health Tech: With AI-enabled diagnostics and remote monitoring systems, health tech is expected to be one of the fastest-growing sectors at CES. Gary Shapiro, CEO of the CTA, emphasized its importance: “Technology is solving critical problems in healthcare, from addressing shortages of professionals to enabling aging populations to live independently.”
• Wearables: This year’s wearables will focus on consumer-friendly devices like health trackers, smart glasses, and voice-enabled tools. “Voice will become the operating system,” said Fabrizio. “This year, expect a lot of innovation around frames and wearables.”
• XR: Augmented and virtual reality remains a hot topic, with new devices and platforms competing for attention. Samsung’s rumored AR headset could be a major talking point.

Audacy, Claritas Introduce New Enhanced Measurement Capabilities

At the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2025, Audacy and Claritas announce a partnership to deliver enhanced measurement capabilities for clients through a cross-platform multi-touch attribution solution for analyzing the impact of broadcast and digital audio campaigns.

Audacy is leveraging Claritas’ advanced broadcast radio measurement capabilities to give advertisers deeper insights into campaign performance, including audience engagement and content responsiveness. Clients will be able to optimize their total audio campaigns based on key performance indicators by market, creative, time of day, etc., to make data-driven decisions and realize better outcomes for their media investments.

The Audacy and Claritas solution will integrate broadcast radio spot logs into multiplatform campaigns that Claritas is measuring for Audacy clients, tracking reach and impression frequency for ads running on Audacy broadcast stations. Claritas will combine this data with census-level website activity, including site visits, purchases and form fills, and analyze it through a proprietary data science model. This model identifies incremental website activity driven by Audacy’s radio campaigns by comparing exposed and unexposed markets. These analytics will be delivered in near real-time for fast learning and opportunities to optimize campaigns quickly.

“Multi-platform audio campaigns that couple traditional radio and digital to deliver better outcomes for our advertiser partners' audio investments and to their overall media plans,” said Paul Suchman, Chief Marketing Officer, Audacy. “By integrating Claritas’ advanced measurement methodology into Audacy’s analytics stack, we’ll equip our clients with even more actionable data on how their campaigns are performing and Audio’s impact on overall campaign results.”

“Audacy and Claritas have delivered an important breakthrough in advertising measurement, integrating broadcast and digital. The insights on who is converting based on Claritas ID Graph, combined with GenAI analysis, are immediately actionable,” said Rex Briggs, Chief AI Officer, Claritas. “We are enabling advertisers to bolster their return on investment while proving the strategic value audio advertising delivers to businesses.”

By offering precise measurements of audio campaign performance, Audacy and Claritas are enabling advertisers to bolster their return on investment while proving the strategic value audio advertising delivers throughout the marketing funnel.

Chicago Radio: WCHI Launches New Morning Show

iHeartMedia's WCHI-FM Chicago's has launched "The Morning Mosh Pit" hosted by Maria Palmer, Michael Mason and Matt "Marris" Harris.

"The Morning Mosh Pit" is being launched following the exit Angi Taylor's from the station in November.

The show promises to deliver "truly compelling content every morning" to Chicago's rock lifestyle fanbase. Show Features.  Some of the exciting features you can expect from "The Morning Mosh Pit" include:

• Top 5 Things to Know: A daily rundown of the top stories and news
• Rock Talk: In-depth discussions on rock music and culture
• Fun To Your Head: A segment that brings humor and entertainment to the show
• Thirstday: Maria Palmer's on-air and social media feature that's sure to quench your thirst for fun and excitement 

Host Bios

• Maria Palmer: Formerly the evening host at WCHI-FM, Palmer has also worked at Alternative "106.5 The End" WEND Charlotte and "DC 101" WWDC Washington DC
• Matt "Marris" Harris: Joined iHeartMedia Chicago in 2017 as Promotions Director for Hip Hop 107.5 WGCI and Gospel 1390 WGRB, later becoming morning show producer at WCHI-FM
• Michael Mason: Previously hosted mornings at Townsquare Media Country 99.1 KUAD Fort Collins CO and nights at "98.9 The Bull" KNUC Seattle

YouTube’s Push Into The Living Room Is Just Beginning

Historians likely will recall July 2024 as the moment that forever changed television, according to The Wrap. 

That was the month YouTube broke not one but two Nielsen viewership records: It became the first streaming service to account for more than 10% of total TV viewing time as well as the first to surpass the sum totals of major media distributors like Disney and Paramount.

YouTube’s viewership — in living room TVs, not just on phones or laptops — has been growing steadily. But 2024 was a breakthrough year for the 19-year-old Alphabet-owned platform. In October, YouTube accounted for 10.6% of all TV viewership compared to Netflix’s 7.5%, according to Nielsen’s Gauge report, which measures the most-watched streamers each month. That was up from December of 2022, when the platform hit 6% compared to Netflix’s 7%.

YouTube also ranked No. 1 on Nielsen’s Media Distributor Gauge Report, which measures the most-watched media distributors on a monthly basis. During the eight months the Gauge has existed, YouTube has come in first place once and second place seven times. And in July, streaming on YouTube surpassed Disney’s total viewership, 10.4% compared to the 9.9% seen by the whole of The Walt Disney Company. (While only Disney+ appears on the Gauge report, the total for the Disney-owned Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ appears in the Media Distributor Report.)

YouTube’s viewership metrics are “a symptom of the way young people are consuming entertainment today,” Jon Giegengack, founder and principal at Hub Entertainment Research, told TheWrap. “It has big implications for the rest of the industry.”

The platform’s stellar 2024 doesn’t mean that traditional TV is dead. But it does underscore why other companies will need to become savvier in how they appeal to their audiences. And the numbers reflect a major shift in the greater media landscape at a time when major entertainment conglomerates are racing to minimize their exposure to plummeting cable television networks that are burning holes in their bottom lines.

➤Read More: HERE

CNN Defamation Trial Set To Start

After the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, many people were desperate to flee the country. CNN reported that a security consultant was among those offering to evacuate them — for a price — as part of an investigation into claims of "black market" rescue operations.

CNN's story, which aired on Nov. 11, 2021, showed a photo of Zachary Young, head of Florida-based Nemex Enterprises. The caption below warned of "exorbitant fees" and "no guarantee of safety or success." Chief national security correspondent Alex Marquardt told viewers that CNN could not confirm that Young had successfully evacuated anyone who had paid him to leave the country.

Young has sued CNN for defamation. In his complaint, his attorneys say CNN gave him just hours to respond to its questions before it first aired that story on The Lead with Jake Tapper. They say Young had, in fact, successfully evacuated dozens of people from Afghanistan.

In rebutting those allegations in court, CNN has since cast doubt on Young's claim of the successful evacuations. Behind the scenes, however, some editors expressed qualms about the reporting, court filings show.

NPR reports the trial kicks off today in the Florida Panhandle, a deeply red part of the country, at a time when public perceptions of the media are increasingly ideologically polarized.

Young's attorneys say he is a logistics and security expert who helped U.S. and European corporations and nongovernmental organizations extract people from Afghanistan during a dangerous time. His lawsuit alleges that CNN unfairly implied on the air and online through a subsequent written story and social media posts that he was profiting from illegal tactics. And in his legal complaint, his lawyers write that Young's business has lost millions of dollars in revenues as a result of the hit to his reputation.

Four months after the initial broadcast, as Young's lawyers demanded a retraction, CNN offered a correction on Tapper's show. A substitute anchor told viewers that the term "black market" should not have been used in the story at all and that the network "did not intend to suggest that Mr. Young participated in a black market." The anchor, Pamela Brown, concluded by telling viewers: "We regret the error. And to Mr. Young, we apologize."

The TV version of the story was taken down.