Radio History: March 9

➦In 1860..While not a broadcasting event in the modern sense, this date marks a significant precursor to radio technology. Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville invented the phonautograph, the earliest known device for recording sound. This invention laid foundational groundwork for audio technology, which would eventually influence radio broadcasting by demonstrating that sound could be captured and studied. It wasn’t until later innovations, like those of Marconi and Fessenden, that sound recording evolved into wireless transmission, but this early step was critical.

KJR Transmitter 1927

➦In 1922...KJR-AM, Seattle, Washington, signed-on.

According to John Schneider at The Radio Historian: KJR, begun by amateur radio operator Vincent I. Kraft, was the first radio station to be licensed in the Pacific Northwest.

Vincent Kraft

After World War I, the civilian radio stations that had been ordered closed during the war were allowed to reopen.  One was Vincent I. Kraft’s amateur station 7AC in Seattle.  Kraft operated a small radio parts store in downtown Seattle, and in his spare time played with a small 5 Watt deForest Wireless telephone transmitter, transmitting from his home at E. 68th Street and 19th NE.  An antenna hung from a 90 foot tower in the back yard.

He soon applied for and received the experimental license 7XC for “wireless telephone” transmission.  He moved a phonograph and a piano into the garage adjoining his home, and tacked carpeting on the walls to improve the acoustics.  7XC went on the air on 1110 kc. starting in 1919, transmitting voice and music programs.  He played phonograph records, coaxed a local piano teacher into performing, and asked a neighbor boy to play the violin.  There was no regular schedule.  Every so often he would get a call from one of the few people that had a crystal radio set in Seattle, and he would turn on the transmitter and broadcast so they could demonstrate the new "wireless" to their friends.

In 1921, the U.S. Department of Commerce created a new class of license for radio broadcasting stations. At the same time, a new law was issued that prohibited amateur stations from broadcasting music.  So Kraft immediately applied for and received the license KJR, and transferred his 7XC operations to this new license.  Unlike its amateur station predecessor, KJR operated on a regular schedule of several hours per day, 3 days a week.

Beginning in the 1950s and lasting until 1982, KJR was a pioneer Top 40 radio station owned by entertainer Danny Kaye and Lester Smith, "Kaye/Smith Enterprises".

In the 1960s, under the programming guidance of Pat O'Day, the station was top rated in Seattle and well known for introducing the Pacific Northwest to many recording stars such as Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles, Merrilee Rush & The Turnabouts and the Ventures.  Today, the call letters are used by KJR-FM, which broadcasts a format that includes many of the songs and shows (including original American Top 40 shows from the 1970s) from that era.

Gary Lockwood was THE big morning show on Seattle radio in the 1980's as AM radio was fading out in Seattle. KJR was playing Oldies then.

KJR would switch to soft adult contemporary in 1982. In 1988, the station shifted to oldies, playing the music that had made the station famous throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

KJR's shift to sports programming was a gradual evolution starting in 1989, when the station added some sports-themed shows in mid-days and afternoons. The rest of the music programming would be phased out in September 1991.

On November 4, 2011, at 7 AM, KJR began simulcasting on 102.9 FM, replacing country-formatted KNBQ. This ended on June 13, 2013, when KNBQ (now KYNW) reverted to an Adult top 40 format. During this time, Clear Channel did not transfer the KJR-FM calls from 95.7 to 102.9, instead co-branding the station as "Sports Radio 950 AM and 102.9 FM KJR".

A collection of some of the country's greatest air personalities entertained Seattle listeners like Larry Lujack, Scotty Brink, Norm Gregory, Burl Barer, Pat O'Day, Eric Chase, Bob Shannon, "World Famous" Tom Murphy, Bobby Simon, Jerry Kaye, "Emperor" Lee Smith, Lan Roberts, Robert O. Smith, Charlie Brown, Bwana Johnny, Matt Riedy, Marion Seymour, Sky Walker, Tracy Mitchell, and Bob Brooks. Gary "Lockjock" Lockwood, a.k.a. L.J., was the disk jockey who had the longest tenure on the "Mighty Channel 95," from 1976-1991.

➦In 1925....WHBC Canton, OH signed-on. The original license for the station was granted on February 13, 1925 to Father Edward P. Graham and the St. John Catholic Church. WHBC began broadcasting at 1180 kHz with 100 watts. It was the first Catholic radio station on the air in the U.S., as WLWL in New York was not licensed until August 1925. By the middle of 1927 the station had moved to 1270 kHz. Broadcasting had moved to 1200 kHz by the middle of 1930.

Is A Potential Audacy, Cumulus Merger Just Street Talk?

As of this weekend, discussions about a possible merger between Cumulus Media and Audacy remain speculative, with no official confirmation from either company. However, industry observers, financial reports, and social media chatter have fueled rumors, pointing to the precarious financial states of both radio giants as a potential catalyst.

Here’s what’s known based on available information:

Financial Struggles Driving Speculation: Both Cumulus Media and Audacy have faced significant financial challenges, making a merger an attractive option for survival or consolidation in a shrinking traditional radio market. Cumulus, as detailed in its 2024 annual report, reported a stockholders’ equity of $6.951 million—below NASDAQ’s $10 million minimum—triggering a 45-day delisting warning on March 6, 2025. Its stock hit a 52-week low of $0.63, reflecting an 84% drop from its high of $3.95, and the company posted a $283.3 million net loss for 2024, driven by a $224.5 million impairment charge on FCC licenses. Meanwhile, Audacy emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2024 after slashing $1.6 billion in debt, but it continues to grapple with operational setbacks. On March 7, 2025, Audacy announced layoffs impacting hundreds of employees across its 230+ stations, signaling ongoing efforts to “streamline resources” amid a “rapidly evolving media landscape,” according to a company statement.

These financial pressures align with broader industry trends—declining ad revenues, audience shifts to digital platforms, and heavy debt loads from past consolidations—prompting analysts to see a merger as a logical step.

Industry Rumors and Developments: Speculation about a Cumulus-Audacy merger gained traction this week, with RadioInsight reporting that such a deal was under consideration. The article highlighted recent leadership changes at Audacy (CEO David Field stepped down in January 2025) and Cumulus’s decision to let its “poison pill” anti-takeover defense expire, alongside plans to take several stations off-air. These moves suggest both companies might be positioning for a strategic shift. X posts echoed this, with @BIGRICK_XLDJ, linking the shutdown of Cumulus’s 560 KZAC (formerly KSFO) in San Francisco to “rumors of a Cumulus/Audacity [sic] merger” and “big layoffs at both companies.”

The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline have also flagged 2025 as a year of potential “media merger mania,” with analysts like Alan Gould of Loop Media noting that private equity or mergers could target cash-flow-positive but stagnant businesses like radio. A Cumulus-Audacy merger could create a combined entity with over 600 stations across more than 130 markets, dwarfing competitors like iHeartMedia (850+ stations) in scale, though not necessarily in financial health.

Soros Connection and Ownership Concerns: A notable wrinkle in the narrative involves Audacy’s post-bankruptcy ownership. In September 2024, the FCC approved the transfer of Audacy’s licenses to The Audacy Atlas Fund, backed by George Soros’s Soros Fund Management, making it the largest shareholder with a 40% stake (later adjusted to 48% voting power via a December 2024 FCC filing). This has sparked concern among some observers, with X user @TomBarnardOG On Monday, claiming, “Audacy and Cumulas [sic] have come together. George Soros now controls nearly all radio stations.” While this exaggerates the situation—Cumulus remains independent, and Soros’s influence is limited to Audacy—the rumor underscores fears of concentrated media control if a merger occurs. Cumulus, meanwhile, has no Soros ties, and its shareholder base includes institutional investors and new board member Steven Galbraith, appointed in January 2025.

Current Status: As of now, no concrete evidence—like an official announcement, SEC filing, or joint statement—confirms a merger. Cumulus is focused on its NASDAQ compliance plan, due April 21, 2025, while Audacy navigates its post-bankruptcy reset. Industry speculation, fueled by RadioInsight and X chatter, remains the primary source, with some suggesting talks could be exploratory rather than imminent.

Twin Cities Radio: WCOO Restores The Henry Lake Show To Evenings

The Henry Lake Show has been granted a reprieve at 830 WCCO-AM, with the station backtracking on its cancellation announcement just one day later.

According to a memo from Audacy, the parent company, obtained by Bring Me The News, Henry Lake and producer Chris Tubbs "will continue in their roles on WCCO Radio," as revealed on Friday.

This news comes as a stark contrast to the memo sent to Audacy Twin Cities staff a mere 24 hours prior, which stated that WCCO-AM would be axing all local programming after 6 p.m., save for Minnesota Twins games. However, in a surprising turn of events, Lake and Tubbs were back on the airwaves Friday night.

"Has the last 36 hours been a little bit awkward? Not gonna sit here and lie," Lake admitted during the opening of his show. "I am thankful. I am happy to be here. Happy to be speaking with you. Happy to be doing a show to all of you on this iconic radio station."

This sudden change of heart occurs amidst a wave of significant layoffs at Audacy, with Radio Insight reporting that the company may be letting go of 250 to 300 employees nationwide.

Lake described the ordeal as an "emotional roller coaster."

"We know that there were some national layoffs yesterday, and I want to note that because we know that industries all over the country are going through some rough times—and radio is not immune to that. I've got colleagues in other markets that unfortunately lost their jobs, and for a short time yesterday, it looked like me and Chris were in that same situation," Lake elaborated.

"I feel gratitude. I'm thankful that we've got good leadership here at WCCO, and the higher-ups appreciate me and Chris."

Lake, a six-year veteran of WCCO-AM, previously worked at KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities and at a station in Kansas City.

Cumulus Again Facing NASDAQ Delisting Prospect

Cumulus Media Inc., has received a formal notification from NASDAQ warning that it risks delisting from the NASDAQ Global Market due to non-compliance with the exchange’s minimum stockholders’ equity requirement. 

According to the company’s latest annual report, filed for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, Cumulus reported stockholders’ equity of $6,951,000—well below NASDAQ’s mandated threshold of $10 million for continued listing. This shortfall has triggered a 45-day countdown, giving the company until April 21, 2025, to submit a detailed compliance plan outlining how it intends to restore its equity to the required level. The notice, while serious, does not immediately impact the trading or listing status of Cumulus’s Class A common stock, which continues to hover near a 52-week low of around $0.50 per share as of early March 2025.

Background and Financial Context: Cumulus Media, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, operates approximately 400 AM/FM stations across the United States, making it the third-largest revenue-generating radio company in the country, behind iHeartMedia and Audacy. The company has faced persistent financial challenges in recent years, exacerbated by a shifting media landscape where traditional radio competes with digital platforms like streaming services and podcasts. 

NASDAQ logo

Implications of the Warning: The 45-day warning period is a critical window for Cumulus. By April 21, 2025, it must present a viable strategy to boost its stockholders’ equity above $10 million. If NASDAQ accepts the plan, the company could receive an extension of up to 180 days (until early October 2025) to execute it. Potential options might include:

• Asset Sales: Selling off underperforming stations or non-core assets to raise cash and reduce liabilities, though this could shrink its market footprint.
• Debt Restructuring: Negotiating with creditors to convert debt into equity, a tactic used in its 2018 recovery, though its current $9.1 million market capitalization limits appeal to investors.
• Capital Infusion: Securing new investment, a challenging prospect given its stock’s low valuation and recent losses.
• Operational Turnaround: Cutting costs or boosting revenue—e.g., through digital initiatives like podcasting, where Cumulus has made strides with 20 million monthly downloads—to improve its balance sheet, though this is a slower fix.

Failure to submit an acceptable plan, or to regain compliance within any granted extension, would lead to delisting proceedings.

Stephen A. Smith’s New Deal Will Require Less of Him

Stephen A. Smith, one of ESPN's most prominent personalities, has secured a significant salary increase as part of a new contract with the network. Smith has signed a five-year deal worth $100 million, averaging $20 million annually. This raise makes him ESPN's highest-paid on-air talent to date, surpassing figures like Troy Aikman ($18 million per year), Pat McAfee ($17 million), and Joe Buck ($15 million).

Prior to this agreement, Smith was earning $12 million per year under a contract signed in 2019, which included an $8 million base salary and an additional $4 million from a production contract for his company, Mr. SAS Productions. That deal was set to expire in June 2025, prompting negotiations that had been ongoing for months. Smith had reportedly sought a salary as high as $25 million per year, reflecting his belief in his value to ESPN, driven by his role as the face of First Take—a morning show that consistently delivers strong ratings, averaging around 450,000 to 600,000 viewers in recent months—and his broader media presence.

The new contract not only boosts his pay but also adjusts his workload and opens doors for pursuits beyond sports commentary. 

While Smith will remain a staple on First Take, he’ll scale back on other ESPN commitments, such as regular appearances on NBA pregame shows, though he might still contribute occasionally to major events like Monday Night Football. This flexibility allows him to expand his political commentary—something he’s increasingly embraced on platforms like Fox News with Sean Hannity and his own YouTube show, The Stephen A. Smith Show, which has over 500,000 subscribers. The deal is non-exclusive for non-sports content, giving him room to explore projects outside ESPN’s umbrella, potentially in entertainment or politics, where he’s even been floated as a hypothetical presidential candidate (though he’s downplayed any real intent to run).

.@stephenasmith describes his moment with LeBron James last night at Lakers-Knicks. pic.twitter.com/ZZyUnOOwYZ

— First Take (@FirstTake) March 7, 2025

The raise reflects Smith’s undeniable impact at ESPN. First Take has seen consistent growth, with 23 straight months of year-over-year increases and a record-breaking 2023 averaging 496,000 viewers. His recruitment of talents like Shannon Sharpe has further boosted the show’s draw. Beyond TV, Smith generates billions of digital views annually for ESPN, cementing his status as a revenue driver. Disney, ESPN’s parent company, and ESPN Bet are reportedly chipping in to fund parts of his salary, highlighting his value across their ecosystem.

This deal caps a remarkable comeback for Smith, who was let go by ESPN in 2009 after his show Quite Frankly flopped, only to return in 2011 and climb to the top of the sports media landscape. At 57, he’s now earning more than many professional athletes he covers—outpacing the NHL’s highest-paid player, Auston Matthews ($13.25 million), and all but 68 MLB players in average annual salary.

The Time Has Come..To Spring Forward

Get ready to "spring forward" as people throughout the United States lose an hour of sleep in the early morning of Sunday.

Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, March 9. While "smart" devices may change time automatically, don't forget to turn manual clocks an hour ahead, from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Daylight saving time (DST) is designed to provide an extra hour of evening sunlight, and it will stay in effect for eight months until Nov. 2, when daylight saving time ends for the year.

While the Uniform Time Act of 1966 promoted a uniform system of time across the country, it did allow states to choose whether they wanted to participate.

Hawaii and most of Arizona — except the Navajo Nation — remain on standard time throughout the year, meaning they don’t change their clocks like the rest of country. It means that for much of the year, the time difference between New York and Phoenix is three hours — but from November to March, Phoenix residents are just two hours behind.

Other U.S. territories including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands also remain on standard time year-round.

Studies over the last 26 years have shown the one-hour change disrupts body rhythms tuned to Earth’s rotation, adding fuel to the debate over whether having Daylight Saving Time in any form is a good idea.

The issue is that for every argument there is a counterargument. There are studies, for example, that show we have more car accidents when people lose an extra hour of sleep. There are also studies that show robberies decline when there is an extra hour of sunlight at the end of the day. We also know that people suffer more heart attacks at the start of Daylight Saving Time. But what about our mental health? People seem to be happier when there is an extra hour of daylight.

According to livesceience.com, Benjamin Franklin, the brainchild of DST, proposed the idea in 1784 as a way to conserve energy, said David Prerau, author of  "Seize the Daylight: The Curious and Contentious Story of Daylight Saving Time". Ideally, people would spend time outside, enjoying the extra hour of daylight, rather than sit inside, wasting energy on lighting, Franklin reasoned.

However, it's hard to say whether daylight saving translates into energy savings, according to several studies, including a 2007 Department of Energy study and a 1997 study on a residential home in Kansas, Live Science previously reported.

Even so, Franklin's idea spread in the 20th century. In 1908, a city in Ontario, Canada, became the first modern region to officially implement DST, according to Time and Date. The Germans began following DST in May 1916, with the goal of conserving fuel during World War I. The rest of Europe followed suit soon after, and the United States officially adopted daylight saving time in 1918.

Orlando Radio: WFYY Unveils New Line-Up

WFYY Orlando, now operating as "Kaliente 103.1 FM" under Norsan Media ownership, introduced a new programming lineup that debuted earlier this week on March 3, 2025. This Spanish Tropical format station, serving the Greater Orlando area, rolled out a fresh slate of local on-air talent to connect with the region’s Hispanic audience. 

Here’s a breakdown of the new lineup based on the latest available information:

Mornings: "El Bembé de la Mañana" Hosts: Juan "El Bebo" Adames and Kiara Rivera, with Alfonso Ali as producer.\

Details: Adames brings decades of experience from Orlando radio, most recently co-hosting "Epi y Bebo en la Mañana" on Cox Media Group’s former "Éxitos 96.5" (WOEX). A veteran of Puerto Rican radio and TV, he’s known for his vibrant personality across multiple stations like "Mega 98.1" (WNUE) and "KQ 103.1" (WHKQ). Rivera, a former Miss Mundo USA Latina, adds charisma from her Telemundo telenovela roles. Together, they aim to deliver a high-energy morning show rooted in tropical music and cultural resonance. Ali supports behind the scenes, ensuring smooth production.

Middays: Jessica Reyes Host: Jessica Reyes.

Details: Reyes is a seasoned Orlando broadcaster with a versatile career spanning radio and TV in markets like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Tampa, and locally on "Mega 98.1" (WNUE) and CHR "101.9 Amp Radio" (WQMP). She’s also known for co-hosting the nationally syndicated "The Daily Buzz." Her midday slot offers a steady presence, blending music with her bilingual appeal to engage listeners through the workday.

Afternoons: "Viral y Kaliente" Host: Ale La Bollusca.

Details: La Bollusca hosts this "high-energy" afternoon show, drawing from her experience on top-rated Puerto Rican programs like "El Gordo y La Pelua" and "El Molusco y La Burbu" on La Mega, Mega TV, and Mega Radio Florida. Her dynamic style aims to keep the tropical vibes rolling into the evening, mixing music with lively commentary.

The station flipped to this Spanish Tropical format in October 2024 after Norsan acquired WFYY from JVC Broadcasting for $6 million, shifting from its prior "Florida Man Radio" conservative talk incarnation. The new programming is overseen by Norsan Media Florida Program Director Arnulfo Ramirez, a 30-year industry veteran who joined in 2024 from roles at TelevisaUnivision and iHeartMedia. Ramirez has highlighted the lineup’s blend of "high energy and experience" to deliver entertainment and cultural connection.

Here's How Tariffs May Affect The Cost Of A SiriusXM Subscription

There’s been buzz about how the price to listen to Alex Cooper and Howard Stern on SiriusXM might shift due to proposed tariffs under President Donald Trump’s administration. Here’s the breakdown based on what’s out there:

SiriusXM, the satellite radio giant hosting big names like Howard Stern and Alex Cooper (of Call Her Daddy fame), relies heavily on new car sales to fuel subscriber growth. Many new subscribers come through free trials bundled with newly purchased vehicles. 

On Thursdasy, reports surfaced—via outlets like Yahoo Finance and Quartz—that Trump’s proposed tariffs on automakers could ripple through to SiriusXM’s business model. 

These tariffs, which took effect earlier that week, include a 25% duty on imports from Mexico and most Canadian goods, plus a 20% tariff on Chinese imports. If fully implemented—and if other countries retaliate—the cost of manufacturing cars could climb, pushing up vehicle prices and potentially slowing new car sales.

Why does this matter for SiriusXM listeners? 

If fewer people buy new cars, fewer get those trial subscriptions, which could shrink SiriusXM’s subscriber base. CEO Jennifer Witz, speaking at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference this week, noted that the company had expected “relatively stable” new car sales early in the year, but the tariff talk threw a wrench into that. 

She said it’s “hard to say right now where that’s going to land,” pointing to strong sales in January and February but uncertainty ahead. If sales drop, SiriusXM might need to tweak its pricing—currently around $9.99/month for streaming plans and higher for in-car packages like All Access (which includes Stern)—to offset the loss. That could mean higher costs for listeners tuning into Stern’s rants or Cooper’s interviews.

On the flip side, SiriusXM has a buffer: used car sales, which account for 50% of its trial subscriptions, should dodge the tariff hit. Witz highlighted plans to lean into longer-term subscriptions and adjust pricing strategies to navigate this. Still, with Stern’s contract running through 2025 and Cooper’s $125 million deal kicking off this year, any price hike would directly affect what you’d pay to hear them. No hard numbers on price changes have been confirmed—it’s speculative for now—but the tariff pressure could force SiriusXM to pass some costs onto subscribers if new car-driven growth stalls.

Tariffs could escalate, car prices could spike, and SiriusXM might either absorb the hit or nudge up your bill. For now, it’s a “might change” scenario—worth watching if you’re a Daddy Gang member or a Stern loyalist. Anything beyond this is guesswork until SiriusXM or the market shows its hand.

MSNBC’s Nicolle Wallace’s Ratings Plummet

MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace, host of "Deadline: White House," has experienced a significant decline in her show's ratings following the November 5, 2024, election, where President Donald Trump secured victory. 

According to Nielsen figures, her program averaged 1.6 million total viewers from the start of 2024 until Election Day. However, post-election, viewership dropped by approximately 35%, averaging just over 1 million viewers for the remainder of 2024. In 2025, the show has continued to struggle, averaging 1.1 million viewers, a 25% decline compared to the same period in 2024. In the key advertising demographic of adults aged 25-54, her viewership fell from 144,000 before the election to 93,000 afterward, reflecting a similar 35% drop. This decline has been attributed to a broader trend of liberal audiences tuning out news programming following the Democratic loss, as Wallace's critical coverage of Trump—once a draw during his presidency—lost traction with viewers after his electoral win.

The latest pushback against Wallace stems from controversial comments she made during MSNBC's coverage of President Trump's joint address to Congress on Tuesday. 

During the speech, Trump honored 13-year-old Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel, a brain cancer survivor diagnosed in 2018, by making him an honorary Secret Service agent. DJ, who dreams of becoming a police officer, was celebrated in a widely applauded moment as he displayed his new badge, supported by his father in the gallery. However, Wallace's response on air drew significant criticism. 

@MSNBC WE THE PEOPLE DEMAND 'NICOLLE WALLACE' BE FIRED FOR HER DISGUSTING, HATEFUL & COLD BLOODED REMARKS OF SMALL CHILD CANCER SURVIVOR WHO RECENTLY ATTENDED TRUMP'S SPEECH.

SHE SAYS SHE HOPES HE DOESN'T COMMIT SUICIDE DEFENDING CAPITAL FROM TRUMP SUPPORTERS!

VIDEO PROOF... pic.twitter.com/q8LSNIzpPW

— Steve ULTRA MAGA (@Steve7317532777) March 6, 2025

While initially expressing joy for DJ’s recognition, she pivoted to a darker commentary, saying, “I hope he has a long life as a law enforcement officer, but I hope he never has to defend the United States Capitol against Donald Trump’s supporters and if he does, I hope he isn’t one of the six who loses his life to suicide,” referencing the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and the subsequent suicides of some responding officers. She further hoped DJ wouldn’t have to “testify against the people who carried out acts of seditious conspiracy and then lived to see Donald Trump pardon those people.”

These remarks sparked outrage, particularly among conservative circles and Trump supporters, who accused Wallace of politicizing a heartfelt moment and exploiting a child’s illness for partisan purposes.

Figures like Charlie Kirk called her comments “repulsive,” demanding her firing, while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt labeled them “disgusting” for tying DJ to January 6. Social media backlash was swift, with many calling her statements “sickening” and “twisted,” arguing they overshadowed DJ’s inspiring story with unrelated political grievances. Critics, including Trump himself, who suggested both Wallace and co-host Rachel Maddow (who also criticized the moment as “disgusting” and a spectacle) should resign, framed the remarks as emblematic of broader media bias. The controversy has fueled the narrative of Wallace’s declining relevance, intertwining her ratings slump with public and political condemnation of her commentary.

Late Night TV Ratings: Colbert Tops, Kimmel Gains, Gutfeld Steady

At 11:35 PM, Jimmy Kimmel Live! emerged as the week’s standout performer, surging nearly 42% in total viewers week-over-week and gaining 15% among the coveted 18-49 demographic. The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon also saw gains compared to the prior week’s reruns, though its uptick was more modest—up 7% in total viewers and barely moving the needle (less than 1%) among younger adults.

Ratings Graphic Courtesy of ROADMN

Latenighter.com reports the growth for both Kimmel and Fallon appeared to come at the expense of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which dropped 15% in total viewers and 21% in the 18-49 demo. Despite the declines, The Late Show—which had a unique advantage last week as the only 11:35 PM broadcast network show airing fresh episodes—maintained its lead in the timeslot, topping both total viewers and the key demo. Kimmel and Fallon battled for second place, with Jimmy Kimmel Live! edging out in total audience size and The Tonight Show attracting slightly more 18-49 viewers.

Elsewhere, Nightline posted a solid 28% increase among younger viewers, though this boost only secured it second place in its slot, trailing a week of Late Night with Seth Meyers reruns.

After Midnight, hosted by Taylor Tomlinson, landed second in total viewers for its timeslot but slipped to third among the 18-49 crowd, with week-over-week dips of 6% and 18%, respectively.

On cable, Fox News’ Gutfeld! held firm in its 10 PM ET/7 PM PT slot, showing resilience with a negligible drop in total viewers and a slight uptick among younger adults. Greg Gutfeld’s late-night-style program continues to dominate as the most-watched show among those tracked, with its audience share—representing the proportion of active TV viewers in its slot—nearly matching Colbert’s.

FCC Chair Questions YouTubeTV About Alleged Discrimination

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr initiated an inquiry into allegations that YouTube TV, a streaming service owned by Google, may be discriminating against faith-based programming.

The action stems from a complaint Carr received from Great American Media, the parent company of the Great American Family network, which claims that YouTube TV has deliberately refused to carry its channel despite its availability on other major cable and streaming platforms like Comcast, Cox, Hulu, FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream. Carr publicized this move in a letter addressed to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, which he also shared on X, framing it as part of a broader concern about censorship in public discourse.

Great American Family, launched in 2021 by Great American Media, markets itself as a faith- and family-friendly channel, offering programming like holiday movies and content with Christian themes.

 The network has reportedly grown rapidly, touted as the "second fastest-growing channel in cable television" by Carr, yet YouTube TV has declined to include it in its lineup. Carr’s letter questions whether this exclusion reflects "viewpoint-based discrimination," suggesting that YouTube TV’s decision might be influenced by the channel’s religious content rather than neutral business considerations. He has requested that Google brief FCC staff on YouTube TV’s carriage negotiation processes and the role virtual multichannel video programming distributors (vMVPDs) like YouTube TV play in content selection.

Legally, the FCC’s authority here is limited. Section 616 of the Communications Act allows the FCC to address discriminatory practices in carriage agreements, but this applies primarily to traditional cable operators, not necessarily streaming platforms like YouTube TV. 

R.I.P.: David Linder, MN Radio Station Owner

David Linder (bottom)

39-year-old David Linder,  a prominent figure in Minnesota's radio industry and a passionate skier who tragically lost his life this week in an avalanche in Alaska. 

He was the co-owner of Sub Arctic Media, a company that operates over 20 radio stations across Minnesota, including a significant cluster in Mankato under the Radio Mankato banner. Linder’s involvement in the radio business was a family legacy; he took over leadership following the death of his father, John Linder, in 2017. 

Under his stewardship, the company expanded, and he later brought on partners Lynn and Matt Ketelsen in 2019, scaling back his ownership while remaining a key stakeholder with a 50% share in Sub Arctic Media and interests in other Minnesota radio groups like Lakeland Media, Blooming Prairie Farm Radio, and City of Lakes Media.

On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Linder was on a heli-skiing trip in the Chugach Mountains near Girdwood, Alaska, approximately 40 miles south of Anchorage. He was part of a guided group with Chugach Powder Guides, alongside two friends, Jeremy Leif, 38, of Minnesota, and Charles Eppard, 39, of Montana—all of whom had ties to Mankato, Minnesota. 

The group was caught in a massive avalanche around 3:30 p.m. local time, triggered in a backcountry area known for its steep, pristine slopes. The avalanche buried the three men under an estimated 40 to 100 feet of snow, despite their use of avalanche airbags designed to keep skiers on the surface. A fourth skier in the group survived and was rescued, but dangerous weather and ongoing avalanche risks prevented immediate recovery efforts.

Linder, who had been living in Miami, Florida, in recent years.

The Hackmans Died Of Natural Causes

Gene Hackman died of causes related to cardiovascular illness and was probably alive for several days after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, died of a rare disease in their secluded mountaintop home last week, investigators announced Friday, answering lingering questions in the once-mysterious deaths of the couple.

The case has drawn fervent national attention and intense pressure to deliver investigative findings after the remains of Hackman and Arakawa, along with one of their dogs, were discovered on February 26 in separate rooms and with no outward signs of injury.

CNN reports the bodies were discovered by two maintenance workers who glimpsed the remains through the windows and called police. Hackman’s body was found near the kitchen, and Arakawa was discovered in a bathroom with pills scattered nearby. The condition of the remains – decomposing and partially mummified – as well as new evidence from Hackman’s pacemaker suggest that the couple had been dead for several days, possibly weeks.

Though officials were able to shed light on the moments leading up to the couple’s deaths, it is still unclear whether Hackman knew that his wife had died inside the home or why their dog had been shut in the crate where its body was found. The investigation is still ongoing.

Here is what we learned Friday.

According to  New Mexico Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell, autopsies revealed that Hackman and Arakawa both died of natural causes, though their deaths are attributed to different causes and could have happened several days apart, Jarrell said.

Hackman probably died on February 18, when his pacemaker last recorded his heartbeat. The device recorded that the actor was experiencing atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm.

Hackman was hypertensive and died of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, Jarrell said. He also had advanced Alzheimer’s disease, which the medical investigator said was “a significant contributory factor.” A postmortem CT scan showed that the 95-year-old had severe heart disease and chronic high blood pressure.

Arakawa, who was last seen in public about a week before her husband’s likely time of death, died first from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The syndrome is the result of hantavirus, a rare disease that can infect humans through contact with infected rodents, Jarrell said.

The pills found near Arakawa’s body were thyroid medication that had been prescribed to her and are not related to her death, Jarrell said.

R.I.P.: D’Wayne Wiggins, Founding Member of Tony! Toni! Toné!

D'Wayne Wiggins (1961-2025)

D’Wayne Wiggins, who brought his smooth baritone to millions of fans as a founding member and the lead singer of the R&B trio Tony! Toni! Toné!, which had three platinum albums and a slew of hits in the 1980s and ’90s including “Feels Good” and “The Blues,” died on Friday at his home in Oakland, Calif. He was 64, according to The NY Times.

His family said in a statement on social media that the cause was bladder cancer.

Wiggins was born and raised in Oakland and lived there most of his life, absorbing and blending the blues, funk and hip-hop sounds that he encountered on the city’s streets and in its clubs, where his father, a blues guitarist, was a regular performer.

He formed Tony! Toni! Toné! in 1986 with his half brother, Charles Ray Wiggins (later known as Raphael Saadiq), who sang and played bass, and their cousin Timothy Christian Riley, who played drums.

The trio first found success performing around the San Francisco Bay Area, but they did not release their first album, “Who?,” until 1988. It was an immediate hit: Their debut single, “Little Walter,” reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart; three more singles from the album reached the Top 10; and the album was certified gold.

Radio History: March 8

➦In 1916...Harold J. Power, through his American Radio and Research Company (AMRAD), conducted what is recognized as the first continuous radio broadcast in the world. This broadcast took place from Tufts College (now Tufts University) in Medford, Massachusetts. It marked a significant milestone in the development of radio as a medium for regular communication and entertainment, moving beyond sporadic experimental transmissions.

➦In 1925...John Bradley Gambling started on-air at WOR NYC. Bernard McFadden was a physical culturist who had a radio show in New York City. When McFadden failed to show up for his daily morning program, Gambling, a studio engineer was forced to ad-lib on the air for a solid hour. Thus, WOR decided to give the time slot to Gambling.

John B Gambling

John Bradley Gambling (April 9, 1897 – November 21, 1974) became the first of the Gambling family, 3 generations to host mornings on WOR. John B., John A. and John R. - were hosts of WOR Radio's 'Rambling with Gambling' over the course of over 80 years (1925–2000 and 2008–2013).

John B. was the host from 1925 to 1959, when he retired in favor of his son, John A. Gambling. With his Musical Clock, his all-in-fun setting-up exercises, cheerio music, wheezy gags, weather information and news scraps, John B. Gambling was a WOR fixture.

➦In 1945...George Michael 'Mickey' Dolenz Jr. born.  He is an actor, musician, television director, radio personality and theater director, best known as a vocalist and drummer of the 1960s pop/rock band the Monkees.

On January 10, 2005, Dolenz replaced Dan Taylor as the morning disc jockey at oldies radio station WCBS-FM in New York. On June 3, 2005, Dolenz celebrated his 100th show with a special morning show at B.B. King's. In an ironic and controversial twist, that was also his last regular show at the station; at 5:00 pm, WCBS-FM announced that the station would replace its oldies format with a "Jack" format.

However, WCBS-FM had since returned to its oldies format on July 12, 2007.

➦In 1949...WBAP 96.7 FM, Fort Worth Texas, signed-on. Today the station is Sports KTCK-FM, owned by Cumulus Media.

➦In 1979...Compact Disc Digital Audio, also known as Audio CD, is the standard format for audio compact discs, was first demonstrated.

➦In 1994...Jack Spector died at age 65 (Born - September 15, 1928). He was a longtime New York City radio personality.

Jack Spector

Spector began his career in 1955 and in 1961 became one of the original WMCA Good Guys.  In late December 1963, WMCA, with Spector, earned the distinction of being the first New York City radio station to play the Beatles' Capitol Records' single, "I Want to Hold Your Hand." (Outside New York, the single's broadcast debut is widely accepted to have occurred earlier at WWDC in Washington, D.C.)

After WMCA moved to a talk format, Spector went to WHN, then a vocal-based easy listening station. He remained for a while after WHN became a Country music station in 1973. In 1974, Spector left WHN to go to WCBS-FM where he hosted a 1955-1964 based Oldies show called "The Saturday Night Sock Hop" and another regular weekend shift. He was also a full-time swing host there, filling in for various airstaffers over the years. In 1983, Cousin Brucie began doing every third Saturday night of the month. Spector remained at WCBS-FM until the Spring of 1985.

In 1985, Spector was at WNBC as the original host of "Sports Night". He went then to WPIX-FM, which was playing an adult contemporary format. Upon their change to NAC and soon after to smooth jazz, he became one of the first air personalities on CD 101.9. Spector also worked as an optician when he was not on the air.

Late in 1988, Spector left WQCD and joined the staff of WHLI on Long Island, NY playing an Adult Standards format. That station began mixing in more rock and roll oldies by the early '90s. After a few Radio Greats Weekends at WCBS-FM, Jack Spector returned as a part-time swing announcer there in 1993 while working full-time at WHLI.

On March 8, 1994, shortly after starting a recording of Louis Prima's "I'm In The Mood For Love", he suffered an apparent fatal heart attack and collapsed.

➦In  2016… Ronald Herbert Jacobs died in Hawaii (Born - September 3, 1937). He is best known as the program director of KHJ radio in Los Angeles during its ground-breaking "Boss Radio" period (1965–1969), and as co-creator of the countdown show American Top 40, and the seminal radio program The History of Rock and Roll (1969).

St. Louis Radio: Entire Air Staff At Hot 104.1 Fired, KMOX Simulcast Soon

On Thursday, Hot 104.1 (WHHL), a popular hip-hop and R&B radio station in St. Louis, laid off its entire on-air staff as part of broader cutbacks by its parent company, Audacy. 

The affected staff included midday host Shae Bae, afternoon host Princess Stormm, evening host DJ Raymond, and weekend hosts Kenny Mo, KMJ the DJ, and DJ Krisstyle. Shae Bae confirmed her departure on Instagram, expressing gratitude for her time at the station and indicating she was seeking new opportunities in media.

The layoffs are reportedly tied to Audacy’s plan to shift Hot 104.1’s programming. Sources indicate the station will soon simulcast KMOX (1120 AM), a news/talk station also owned by Audacy, ahead of the 2025 MLB season, during which KMOX broadcasts St. Louis Cardinals games. 

As of the latest reports, Hot 104.1 continues to play hip-hop music but without live hosts. In the January 2025 Nielsen ratings, the station held a 2.3 share, ranking 15th in the St. Louis market and leading its hip-hop rival, KATZ (100.3 The Beat), which had a 2.1 share.

This move reflects ongoing financial and strategic adjustments at Audacy, the second-largest radio company in the U.S., which operates seven stations in the St. Louis area. The decision has sparked discussion about the future of local radio and its impact on the community, particularly given Hot 104.1’s role as a key outlet for hip-hop and R&B in the region.

Layoffs To Impact Five Percent of Audacy Workforce

Philadelphia-based Audacy Media this week has initiated a significant round of layoffs affecting its workforce across the United States. 

Thw move came shortly after the company emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in mid-2024, a process that had been aimed at restructuring its finances following years of debt accumulated from acquisitions, including the 2017 merger with CBS Radio. The layoffs, reported to impact between 250 and 300 employees, represent a substantial reduction in staff across various departments and markets, marking Audacy’s first large-scale workforce cut post-bankruptcy.

The layoffs span both local and national levels, affecting on-air talent, digital content teams, traffic, sales, and management personnel. Notable impacts include the cancellation of local programming, such as The Henry Lake Show on WCCO Newstalk 830-AM in Minneapolis, where evening host Henry Lake and co-host Chris Tubbs were let go as the station eliminated live and local content after 6 p.m., except for Minnesota Twins games. 

Other markets hit include Boston, where Magic 106.7 (WMJX) morning host David O’Leary was cut; Philadelphia, with Big 98.1 (WOGL) afternoon host Trey Morgan departing; and Detroit, where 104.3 WOMC midday host Aricka McCauley was laid off. Nationally, the BetMGM Network, a sports betting-focused division, saw significant losses, with staff like Director of Digital Content Dan Karpuc and content producer Matthew Horner among those affected.

Audacy’s leadership framed these cuts as a necessary step to ensure the company’s long-term viability in a rapidly evolving media landscape. 

A company spokesperson stated that the reductions were part of an effort to “streamline resources to stay competitive” and position Audacy to “continue serving listeners and advertisers with excellence.”

 This followed the departure of President and CEO David Field in January 2025 after 27 years, with Kelli Turner stepping in as interim President and CEO. The spokesperson emphasized that the layoffs were not a reflection of individual performance but a response to broader economic challenges facing the business, echoing sentiments from a Minneapolis memo that noted the “business is not where it needs to be.”

The scale of the layoffs, estimated at roughly 5% of Audacy’s workforce, aligns with earlier cost-cutting promises made by executives like CFO Rich Schmaeling during 2022 earnings calls, though the exact timing and extent crystallized in March 2025. Meanwhile, Audacy’s sports brands, such as Philadelphia’s 94 WIP and New York’s WFAN, appear to have been spared the deepest cuts, likely due to their strong revenue performance.

These layoffs follow a pattern of workforce reductions at Audacy, with previous rounds in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and a smaller cut in April 2024 affecting less than 2% of staff. 

The current reduction in force, however, stand out for their breadth, touching at least 12 markets including New York, Minneapolis, New Orleans, and other markets. The move has sparked concern about the future of local radio programming, with stations like WBBM Newsradio in Chicago losing over 60% of its digital staff and automating parts of its overnight broadcasts, signaling a potential pivot toward cost-saving automation.

The broader context includes Audacy’s financial struggles, with its stock price languishing at 68 cents per share in 2022 (pre-bankruptcy) and facing NYSE delisting warnings. Post-bankruptcy, the company aimed to strengthen its balance sheet, but the layoffs suggest ongoing pressure to reduce expenses amid a declining terrestrial radio market, challenged by digital media competition and shifting listener habits.

Twin Cities Radio: WCCO To Drop All Evening Local Programming

WCCO Newstalk 830-AM, a prominent news and talk radio station in the Twin Cities, is discontinuing its local programming during weekday evenings, a decision that has led to the cancellation of The Henry Lake Show. According to sources who spoke with Bring Me The News, station staff were notified of this significant scheduling overhaul on Thursday morning. 

The changes eliminate all live and local content after 6 p.m., with the notable exception of Minnesota Twins baseball broadcasts, which will continue to air as scheduled.

This shift directly impacts The Henry Lake Show, effectively ending its run. Thursday’s programming schedule revealed a noticeable void from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., marking the departure of host Henry Lake and his co-host Chris Tubbs from the station. Lake, a veteran radio personality, has been a fixture at WCCO-AM for the past six years, having joined the station after leaving 100.3 KFAN. At WCCO, he initially launched a late-night show in the 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. slot, earning a reputation for engaging content on “The Good Neighbor,” as the station is affectionately known.

The programming cuts at WCCO-AM are part of a broader wave of reductions initiated by its parent company, Audacy, a major player in the radio industry. On Thursday, Audacy began implementing sweeping layoffs across its nationwide portfolio of stations. According to Radio Insight, these cuts could affect between 250 and 300 employees company-wide, reflecting a challenging financial landscape for the broadcaster. A memo from Audacy Minneapolis, obtained by Bring Me The News, acknowledged that “the business is not where it needs to be,” emphasizing that the decision to end The Henry Lake Show was not a reflection of the program’s quality or Lake’s performance. Instead, it appears to be a strategic move driven by broader economic pressures facing the company.

At this time, there have been no reports of similar cuts affecting other Audacy-owned stations in the Twin Cities market, which include 104.1 Jack FM, known for its eclectic music mix, and 102.9 The Wolf, a country music outlet. Bring Me The News has reached out to Audacy seeking additional clarification and comment on the situation, but no response has been provided as of yet.

Henry Lake’s tenure at WCCO-AM began after his departure from 100.3 KFAN, where he had built a following in the competitive Minneapolis-St. Paul radio market. His move to WCCO-AM in 2019 allowed him to carve out a distinct presence with his late-night show, which later shifted to an earlier evening slot. The cancellation of his program marks the end of an era for local listeners who valued his contributions to the station’s lineup. As Audacy navigates its financial difficulties, the loss of live and local programming after 6 p.m. at WCCO-AM signals a significant shift in the station’s identity, leaving fans of The Henry Lake Show and local radio alike to wonder what lies ahead for the Twin Cities’ media landscape.

Significant Layoffs Reported At NESN

NESN (New England Sports Network), a regional sports broadcaster serving the New England area and primarily owned by Fenway Sports Group and Delaware North, has implemented significant layoffs affecting its media operations. These layoffs are part of a broader restructuring effort amid a shifting media landscape, with a particular focus on the network's editorial and digital content teams. Below are the details based on available information:

NESN’s layoffs heavily impact its editorial department, which includes writers, reporters, and editors responsible for content on NESN.com. On Monday, March 3, 2025, the entire editorial staff was informed that their roles would be eliminated as part of a departmental overhaul, with their employment officially ending on May 2, 2025. While exact figures haven’t been publicly confirmed by NESN, the cuts extend beyond editorial to other areas of the organization, though the editorial team appears to have been disproportionately affected.

The layoffs coincide with the cancellation of Boston Globe Today, a weekday TV and digital newscast produced in collaboration with Boston Globe Media, which aired on NESN. Announced on March 6, 2025, the program’s termination led to four Boston Globe employees being laid off, with two others reassigned to multimedia roles within the Globe’s newsroom. Although these were Globe staff, the decision reflects a joint strategic shift with NESN, suggesting overlapping impacts on their shared media ecosystem.

NESN provided a statement through a spokesperson to outlets like Boston.com, framing the layoffs as a response to evolving industry dynamics: “NESN is committed to delivering high-quality content and unparalleled entertainment experiences to New England sports fans. As the media landscape continues to evolve, we have made the decision to refine our operations, focusing on our core content strengths and streamlining our digital capabilities. Unfortunately, this has resulted in the difficult decision to eliminate some positions.” The spokesperson emphasized that the changes aim to “elevate our offering, meet the needs of all of our audiences, and continue to build and grow a sustainable, innovative media business.”

The restructuring includes a pivot away from in-house editorial content for NESN.com. Going forward, the site’s content will be produced by an external provider, with NESN hinting at an imminent announcement about a new partnership to manage the website’s editorial and operational functions. This shift indicates a move toward outsourcing as a cost-saving measure, reducing the need for a dedicated internal staff.

Reports: CNN Pundit Scott Jennings Getting Significant Pay Raise

Scott Jennings, a prominent conservative political commentator and CNN contributor, is reportedly set to receive a significant pay raise and contract renewal with the network, even as CNN grapples with staff cuts and a ratings crisis. This development has sparked discussion given the contrast between Jennings’ individual success and the broader challenges facing CNN.

Jennings, who joined CNN as an on-air contributor in 2017, has become a standout figure on the network, often dubbed its “token Republican” for his conservative perspective amidst a predominantly liberal lineup. Sources indicate that his new contract could push his annual compensation well beyond his current estimated $500,000 salary from CNN, supplemented by additional earnings of around $200,000 from contributions to outlets like USA Today and the Los Angeles Times. 

A number of media reports  corroborate reports from outlets like The Athletic that Jennings is not only securing a contract extension but also a pay increase, though exact figures remain undisclosed as CNN has not officially commented.

This raise comes at a time when CNN is facing significant headwinds. 

The network has struggled with declining viewership since the 2024 election, averaging just 99,000 primetime viewers in the 25–54 demographic post-November 5, 2024—a 36% drop from pre-election numbers—compared to Fox News’ dominant 417,000 in the same demo. Amid this ratings slump, CNN has initiated cost-cutting measures, including layoffs announced in late 2024 and early 2025. 

Reports from The Daily Beast and Daily Mail suggest hundreds of staffers, including high-profile talent, are at risk, with cuts targeting expensive shows and salaries. Anchors like Jake Tapper and Wolf Blitzer were reportedly denied raises, and veteran Chris Wallace departed in December 2024 after earning $8.5 million annually. These moves follow a 100-person layoff in summer 2024 and reflect CEO Mark Thompson’s push for a “digital-first” overhaul amid a perceived identity crisis and financial strain.

Media Layoffs Hit Boston Globe Media

Boston Globe Media, in partnership with NESN (New England Sports Network), announced the termination of Boston Globe Today, a TV and digital newscast that launched in April 2023 with a two-year agreement. 

As part of this decision, the Globe laid off four employees directly involved with the program. Two other staff members from the show are being retained and reassigned to multimedia roles within the newsroom. The layoffs were reported alongside broader cuts at NESN, where the editorial department, including writers, reporters, and editors for NESN.com, was significantly affected, though exact numbers for NESN were not specified.

The cancellation of Boston Globe Today reflects challenges in building a broadcast audience in a market already saturated with five commercial news stations, amid a broader shift in how audiences consume news—favoring digital platforms over traditional TV. Despite the cut, Boston Globe Media and NESN plan to continue collaborating on a weekly sports show, and the Globe intends to bolster its video content across other platforms, suggesting a strategic pivot rather than a complete retreat from video.

The layoffs sparked some internal friction. A departing multimedia producer, Matthew Nelson, who had been hired initially for a podcast project that was later scrapped, criticized the decision in messages to the newsroom via email and Slack. His Slack post was removed by management, prompting discontent among staff, as noted by media observers on X. This incident highlights underlying tensions about communication and transparency during the layoffs.

This isn’t the first instance of staff reductions at Boston Globe Media in recent times. In December 2024, the company laid off 11 employees at STAT, its health and medicine publication, citing rising expenses and flattening revenue—a sign of the financial pressures felt even by a media outlet with robust ownership under John Henry’s Fenway Sports Group.

The broader context for these layoffs aligns with industry-wide struggles. Local media, including newspapers like the Globe, face declining ad revenue and audience fragmentation as readers turn to podcasts, streaming services, and social media. While the Globe has expanded in recent years—adding coverage in Rhode Island and New Hampshire, hiring investigative reporters, and acquiring Boston magazine—these layoffs indicate that growth hasn’t fully insulated it from economic challenges. The exact scope of the March 2025 layoffs appears limited to the four Boston Globe Today staffers, but the NESN cuts suggest a wider impact across the shared media ecosystem.