TV Ratings: Despite Hoops, Fox News Channel Beats All Cable

During the week of March 17-23, FOX News Channel’s (FNC) The Five marked the 18th consecutive week commanding more than four million viewers. 

In total day (6 AM-6 AM/ET), FNC posted 1.8 million viewers and 221,000 in the 25-54 demo. In primetime (8 PM-11 PM/ET, FNC averaged 2.9 million viewers and 345,000 in the 25-54 demo. Additionally, FNC outpaced TBS (1.6 million primetime viewers, 585,000 total day viewers) and TNT (1.5 million primetime viewers and 499,000 total day viewers) with primetime and total day viewers for the week despite their airings of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. 

Ratings Graphics Courtesy of RoadMN

Special Report dominated the broadcast networks on Tuesday during coverage of the astronauts’ return to earth, which broke in for special coverage beginning at 5:50 PM/ET, leading CBS (1.8 million viewers), ABC (1.8 million viewers and NBC (1.1 million viewers) and also beating the CBS Evening News that night head to head from 6:30-7PM. 

FOX News has now garnered the top 861 cable news telecasts since the election. For the week, The Five averaged 4 million viewers and 425,000 in the 25-54 demo, leading cable news with total viewers.

At 6 PM/ET, Special Report with Bret Baier drew 3.5 million viewers and 377,000 in the 25-54 demo. The Ingraham Angle saw 3.4 million viewers and 377,000 in the 25-54 demo at 7 PM/ET. At 8 PM/ET, Jesse Watters Primetime delivered 3.8 million viewers and 455,000 in the 25-54 demo, which led cable news with younger viewers. At 9 PM/ET, Hannity posted 3.3 million viewers and 426,000 with A25-54. At 11 PM/ET, FOX News @ Night secured 1.7 million viewers and 239,000 in the 25-54 demo.

At 10 PM/ET, FNC’s late-night offering Gutfeld! secured 3.2 million viewers and 421,000 with A25-54. Gutfeld! once again topped the broadcast competition including ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! (1,578,000 P2+; 223,000 A25-54) and NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (1,147,000 P2+; 280,000 A25-54). 

FNC continued to see a number of its daytime programs outpace the broadcast competition. Outnumbered (weekdays, 12 PM/ET; 2,247,000 viewers), Harris Faulkner’s The Faulkner Focus (weekdays, 11 AM/ET; 2,187,000 viewers), The Will Cain Show (weekdays, 4 PM/ET; 2,160,000 viewers), America’s Newsroom (weekdays, 9-11 AM/ET; 2,121,000 viewers) and America Reports (weekdays, 1-3 PM/ET; 2,034,000 viewers) all led CBS Mornings (2,007,000 viewers), NBC’s Today Third Hour (1,859,000 viewers), ABC’s GMA3 (1,364,000 viewers), NBC’s Today with Jenna & Friends (1,229,00 viewers) and NBC News Daily (1,083,000 viewers) with viewers. 

On Saturday: FOX News Live (Saturday, 10 AM - 2 PM/ET) was the most-watched show of the day with 1.6 million viewers and 181,000 in the 25-54 demo. The Big Weekend Show (weekends, 6-8 PM/ET) followed with 1.5 million viewers and 178,000 in the 25-54 demo. In primetime, Life, Liberty & Levin (weekends, 8 PM/ET) took 1.5 million viewers. At 9 PM/ET, My View with Lara Trump posted 1.5 million viewers and 143,000 in the 25-54 demo. 

On Sunday: Maria Bartiromo’s Sunday Morning Futures was the top show of the weekend with 2.1 million viewers and 249,000 in the 25-54 demo. Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy (Sunday, 9 PM/ET) was the number one show in primetime with 1.8 million viewers and 179,000 in the 25-54 demo. At 10 PM/ET, One Nation with Brian Kilmeade commanded 1.5 million viewers and 183,000 in the 25-54 demo.

Source: Nielsen. Live+SD. Week of 3-17-25 ratings data. Average audience for cable news networks Monday-Sunday based on Total Day and Prime (6a-6a, 8P-11P), P2+, P25-54, P18-49. Cable News/Broadcast Program averages exclude repeats and include the corresponding program name.

TV Ratings: Viewers Flocking To Championship Basketball

Men's March Madness is experiencing a surge in TV ratings not seen in over 30 years, despite a largely predictable bracket thus far. 

Nielsen ratings reveal that through the first two rounds, the NCAA tournament is averaging 9.4 million viewers per game across CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV—the highest average through the round of 32 since 1993.

The tournament kicked off with a record-breaking opening day, culminating in a first round that averaged 8.8 million viewers per game—a 2% increase from 2024 and the highest ever under the traditional Thursday-to-Friday opening format. The second round, airing Saturday and Sunday, drew an average of 10.2 million viewers, a 3% uptick from last year and the most-watched round of 32 since 2017.

TruTV also celebrated a milestone, delivering its most-watched First Four ever with a gross audience of 7.4 million viewers.

The peak viewership window came late Sunday afternoon, when 15.3 million viewers tuned in for a slate headlined by Kentucky’s 84–75 triumph over Illinois.

Nielsen’s inclusion of out-of-home viewership—such as at bars and restaurants—began in 2020 and has expanded since, contributing to the boosted numbers.

The Sweet 16 tips off Thursday night with four matchups, spotlighting two No. 1 vs. No. 4 clashes. Maryland aims to upset Florida at 7:39 p.m. ET on TBS and truTV, followed by a heavyweight showdown between Arizona and Duke at 9:39 p.m. ET on CBS.

For the women,  the Sweet 16 will take place on March 28-29, hosted in two regional locations: Birmingham, Alabama, and Spokane, Washington. The Elite Eight follows on March 30-31 at the same sites. The Final Four is scheduled for April 4 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, with the national championship game set for April 6, airing on ABC.

FCC's Carr Rejects CBS Dismissal Request

The FCC has rejected CBS's request to dismiss a complaint regarding a "60 Minutes" interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, which aired in October 2024. 

The complaint, initially filed by the conservative group Center for American Rights, alleges that CBS engaged in "news distortion" by editing Harris's responses to a question about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a way that presented different answers across two broadcasts—"Face the Nation" and "60 Minutes." This editing has been at the center of a broader controversy, including a $10 billion lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against CBS, claiming the network manipulated the interview to favor Harris during the 2024 presidential election campaign.

CBS has consistently defended its actions, arguing that the edits were standard journalistic practice aimed at ensuring clarity and fitting time constraints, not distorting the news. The network urged the FCC to dismiss the complaint, asserting that the agency lacks the authority to regulate editorial decisions in broadcast news and that any intervention would violate First Amendment protections. On March 25, 2025, CBS reiterated this stance, stating there was no evidence of intentional distortion and calling for an immediate dismissal.

However, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has kept the investigation active. On Tuesday, Carr told Reuters that the FCC was not close to dismissing the complaint, signaling an ongoing review. This decision followed the FCC's earlier move in January 2025 to reinstate the complaint—originally dismissed by the previous FCC chair, Jessica Rosenworcel, on January 16, 2025—after Carr took over leadership. The FCC has since released unedited transcripts and video of the interview on February 5, 2025, to allow public scrutiny, a move criticized by some, including FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, as politicizing the agency’s enforcement actions.

The controversy stems from CBS airing two distinct portions of Harris’s response to the same question about U.S. influence over Netanyahu. In a "Face the Nation" preview, Harris gave a longer, less concise answer, while "60 Minutes" broadcast a shorter, more focused version. Critics, including Trump, allege this was a deliberate attempt to make Harris appear more coherent, while CBS maintains it was a routine edit. The FCC’s "news distortion" policy, which prohibits broadcasters from intentionally falsifying news, is narrow and requires clear evidence of deliberate manipulation—something CBS argues is absent here.

Trump Team In Spin Zone Over Signal Chat Blunder

NY Post Front Page March 26

The "Signal Chat Blunder" underscores the pitfalls of Trump’s ad hoc approach to foreign policy, characterized by a rejection of traditional bureaucratic processes in favor of informal, rapid decision-making. According to The Wall Street Journal, unlike previous administrations, which relied on structured National Security Council meetings and secure communication channels like SIPRNet or JWICS, Trump’s team opted for Signal—a civilian app not approved for classified discussions—bypassing established protocols. 

WSJ reports the chat revealed a transactional mindset, with officials like Stephen Miller questioning how the U.S. could extract economic gains from Europe for securing shipping lanes, reflecting Trump’s zero-sum dealmaking philosophy.

The fallout exposed multiple issues: the risk of unsecured platforms (Signal’s encryption doesn’t fully protect against device hacks), the inclusion of a journalist in a classified exchange, and a lack of formal oversight. Critics, including former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Democratic lawmakers like Chuck Schumer and Elizabeth Warren, labeled it a "stunning breach" and "blatantly illegal," pointing to potential violations of federal laws on handling classified information. Trump downplayed the incident on March 25, calling it a minor glitch and defending Waltz, while Hegseth denied sharing "war plans," a claim Goldberg refuted.

🚨 WATCH FULL INTERVIEW: Fox News’ @IngrahamAngle asks @MikeWaltz47: "How did a Trump-hating editor of The Atlantic end up on your Signal chat?" pic.twitter.com/ZVrIJQ6xS2

— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) March 25, 2025

Waltz took responsibility for creating the group but couldn’t explain Goldberg’s inclusion, hinting at possible staff error. The administration’s reliance on inexperienced appointees and disdain for "deep state" bureaucracy amplified the chaos, drawing parallels to past controversies like Trump’s own classified documents case. The White House is reviewing the incident, with figures like Elon Musk reportedly involved in improving communication security, but the event has fueled calls for resignations and investigations, highlighting the vulnerabilities of Trump’s improvisational foreign policy.

NYTimes Pushes Back On Trump Comments

The New York Times has publicly condemned what it described as "intimidation tactics" employed by President Donald Trump against its reporters. 

The statement came in response to a series of attacks from the Trump administration, particularly following the newspaper's coverage of Elon Musk and the Defense Department. The Times issued its rebuke via a post on X, the social media platform owned by Musk, emphasizing that such tactics have "never caused us to back down from our mission of holding powerful people to account, regardless of which party is in office."

The controversy was sparked by a Trump post on Truth Social on Sunday night, where he specifically targeted Times reporters Peter Baker and Maggie Haberman (whose name he misspelled as "Hagerman"), as well as Baker’s wife, Susan Glasser, a writer for The New Yorker. Trump labeled Baker a "really bad writer" and accused him of producing "long and boring Fake News hit pieces," while calling Haberman the "least talented writer" at the Times. He also criticized the newspaper’s editors as "sick" and "Trump deranged," alleging they tried to "rig the Election" against him.

Federal Judge Rules USAGM Must Release RFE/RL Funding

A federal judge has issued a stern directive to the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), ordering the agency to cease its efforts to deprive Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) of critical federal grant money essential for its ongoing operations. 

The decision, detailed in court documents released on Tuesday, marks a pivotal moment in the broadcaster's fight to maintain its independence and financial stability.

The judicial action stems from a contentious legal battle initiated by RFE/RL's attorneys, who sought an urgent restraining order to halt USAGM's austerity measures. 

The measures, rooted in an Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump earlier in March 2025, had threatened to undermine the broadcaster's ability to fulfill its mission. The Executive Order mandated that USAGM and six other federal agencies drastically scale back their activities and suspend non-essential federal employees, a directive that triggered widespread layoffs affecting over 1,000 journalists at media organizations directly under USAGM’s purview, including the Voice of America (VOA).

State Associations Rally To Support AM Radio

State broadcasters associations, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, have unanimously adopted two crucial resolutions that underscore their unwavering commitment to supporting local radio stations and ensuring their ability to continue serving their communities with vital emergency alerts, reliable news coverage, and local sports programming.

The first resolution passionately urges members of Congress to throw their full support behind the Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA), a legislative measure that staunchly opposes the imposition of any new performance fees on local radio stations. These stations have long been the heartbeat of their communities, providing trusted news, thrilling sports coverage, and engaging entertainment to listeners free of charge. 

However, the introduction of a new performance tax would pose a severe threat to their ability to maintain this invaluable service, especially considering the hundreds of millions of dollars local stations already invest annually in copyright and streaming fees to bring their content to the airwaves.

PBS, NPR Showdown On The Hill

PBS and NPR are preparing for a significant congressional hearing scheduled for Wednesday, organized by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican who chairs the House Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE). 

The hearing aims to scrutinize the federal funding of these public media networks, which collectively receive a $535 million appropriation through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), alongside substantial private support. 

M T G

The focus is on allegations of systemic bias in their reporting, with Greene and other critics asserting that NPR and PBS have prioritized partisan narratives over balanced journalism, particularly citing their coverage—or lack thereof—of stories like Hunter Biden’s laptop, COVID-19 origins, and the Russia collusion narrative.

Paula Kerger, CEO of PBS since 2006, and Katherine Maher, CEO of NPR, are set to testify. In preparation, PBS has been rehearsing responses with lawyers, while NPR executives are gearing up to monitor the fallout. 

The stakes are high, as Kerger has emphasized that the future of many local stations could be jeopardized without continued federal funding, stating, “Everything is at stake.” Both organizations are framing their defense around their roles in providing trusted, fact-based content to American communities, with PBS highlighting its bipartisan congressional support and NPR underscoring its commitment to journalistic standards.

The hearing aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration and allies like Elon Musk to cut federal spending, amplifying the political tension. Greene has publicly questioned why taxpayers should fund what she calls “partisan, so-called ‘media’ stations,” promising a showdown that could influence public perception and policy.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would love to see federal funding end for news outlets NPR and PBS. When asked if he would be interested in defunding and taking away taxpayer dollars sent to the two outlets, Trump said, "I would love to do that. I think it's very unfair. It's been very biased the whole group."

Megyn Kelly Launches Podcast Network

Podcast and former Fox News and NBC journalist Megyn Kelly has launched her own podcast network called MK Media. 

The move expands her presence in the growing news and politics creator ecosystem, particularly among right-leaning voices dominating the podcasting space. The announcement was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, highlighting Kelly’s transition from traditional cable TV to a digital media mogul.

MK Media is a video and audio podcast network designed to collaborate with creators and journalists in news and entertainment. The initial lineup features three shows hosted by notable figures: journalist Mark Halperin (known for his work with 2Way and past controversies at NBC), Daily Mail culture columnist Maureen Callahan, and influencer-political commentator Link Lauren (a former aide to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.). Kelly has promised additional talent announcements, suggesting plans to diversify beyond news into other genres. The network builds on the success of her existing show, The Megyn Kelly Show, which she started in 2020, shifted to a live SiriusXM radio format in 2021, and expanded with a YouTube video version that now boasts 3.5 million subscribers and hundreds of millions of monthly views.

Kelly framed the launch as a mission to amplify “sane, reasonable, good-humored people” in an independent media landscape free from corporate constraints. “I’m thrilled to launch MK Media and to use our platform to help [these voices] build their own followings in this new media space,” she said, expressing enthusiasm for her inaugural trio of hosts. The venture aligns with a broader trend of top podcast talent—like Alex Cooper’s Unwell Network or Bill Maher’s Club Random—leveraging their platforms to incubate new shows, with YouTube’s dominance in video podcasting playing a key role.

The Ricky Smiley Shows Adds Alfredas To The Ensemble

Georgia "Alfredas" Foy HAS joined "The Rickey Smiley Morning Show" as its newest member. A veteran radio personality, Alfredas is best known for her long tenure on the syndicated "Russ Parr Morning Show."

She brings a wealth of experience from previous roles at stations like KBFB and KJMZ in Dallas, as well as KPTY in Phoenix. Her addition to the show fills the co-host position previously held by Maria More, joining the established lineup of Rickey Smiley, Da Brat, Special K, Rock-T, and Gary Wit Da Tea.

Alfredas

Alfredas expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I’m beyond excited to join ‘The Rickey Smiley Morning Show’. This show is all about connecting with our community, and I can’t wait to dive into the stories that resonate with us all. Rickey’s unique blend of humor and heart makes every conversation feel like a family chat. I’m ready to bring my passion for storytelling to the mix.” Radio One and Reach Media SVP of Programming Colby Tyner also praised her addition, noting, “Her passion, humor, and deep connection with audiences make her the perfect fit for our team. I know our listeners will love what she brings to the table.”

This move marks a significant step in Alfredas' career, transitioning her to a new platform under Urban One’s Reach Media and Radio One, where she continues to leverage her skills as a familiar voice to engage listeners nationwide on the syndicated morning program.

Milwaukee Radio: Longtime WLUM Staffer Confirms He's Out

John Schroeder, a longtime on-air personality at WLUM-FM (102.1), Milwaukee’s alternative-rock station, has confirmed his departure after nearly 19 years with the station. 

John Schroeder

His exit marks him as the third on-air host let go last week by the Milwaukee Radio Alliance, the company overseeing WLUM and several other local stations. Schroeder shared the news with his followers in an emotional Facebook post Monday, writing, “Heartbroken to share the news that I am no longer with FM 102/1 after 18 years and 7 months. I was let go late last week along with 3 other colleagues who are friends at the Milwaukee Radio Alliance in a cost savings move (not performance-based).” 

The Milwaukee Radio Alliance, which operates WLUM-FM (102.1), WLDB-FM (93.3), WZTI-AM (1290, known as Fonz MKE), and Froggy MKE, has remained silent on the matter, offering no response to inquiries. 

Joining Schroeder in confirming their departures are two other prominent voices from the Milwaukee Radio Alliance family: Jon Adler, who hosted mornings on WLUM, and Melissa Jordan, the midday host on WLDB. Adler and Jordan’s exits further underscore the scope of the recent staff reductions, affecting multiple stations under the alliance’s umbrella. While the specific reasons beyond “cost savings” remain unclear, the timing suggests a strategic downsizing effort as the company navigates an evolving media landscape where traditional radio faces competition from digital platforms and shifting advertising revenues.

Schroeder’s tenure at WLUM was marked by a dual role that showcased his versatility. From 2007 to 2018, he served as the Milwaukee Radio Alliance’s promotions director while maintaining his on-air presence, a gig that made him a familiar and beloved figure to listeners of FM 102/1. His deep connection to the station and its audience was evident in his heartfelt farewell, reflecting nearly two decades of dedication. Since 2023, Schroeder has also held the position of entertainment and marketing manager at the Wisconsin Center District, a role he continues to occupy, providing him a professional lifeline amid this unexpected career shift.

The departures of Schroeder, Adler, and Jordan leave a void at their respective stations, raising questions about the future direction of Milwaukee Radio Alliance’s programming.

D/FW Radio: New Country 96.3's Eggs-Cellent Promotion

Hawkeye, Michelle w/Lucky Listener

New Country 96.3’s   beloved morning show hosts, Hawkeye and Michelle, cracked open an egg-citing opportunity for their DFW listeners with the Hawkeye & Michelle’s Great Egg Giveaway!

\With the rising cost of eggs, Hawkeye and Michelle stepped up to help the DFW community. From Monday, March 17th through Thursday, March 20th, listeners were invited to tune in to New Country 96.3 for a chance to win $100 worth of eggs from Kroger. 

To cap the excitement of the week-long giveaway, Hawkeye and Michelle took their show on the road on Friday, March 21st, broadcasting live from Kroger in Plano, TX.  

At this special event, they gave away 96 cartons of eggs to lucky attendees, spreading joy and positivity early on a Friday morning.

New Country 96.3 Morning   Host   Michelle   Rodriguez   said: “It   started   organically during a Valentine’s Day promotion where we were giving winners the options of eggs or flowers and noticed an interest from our audience. It was a fun way to engage with our listeners while addressing the real issue of rising egg prices."

Hawkeye & Michelle’s Great Egg Giveaway was proudly brought to listeners by New Country 96.3 and Kroger. For more details, tune in to Hawkeye and Michelle every morning or visit  https://www.newcountry963.com/.

Radio History: March 26

➦In 1923...Comedian "Bob" Elliott born (Died at age 92 of throat cancer – February 2, 2016).  He was one-half of the comedy duo of Bob and Ray. He was the father of comedian/actor Chris Elliott and grandfather of actress and comedians Abby Elliott and Bridey Elliott. He is most remembered by the character of Wally Ballou, a mild-mannered, but indefatigable radio reporter.

Beginning a career as a radio announcer in the 1940’s, his rise to national recognition began when he was teamed with Ray Goulding on WHDH Boston. Moving to New York the pair appeared on various networks and radio/TV outlets with their unique brand of humor spoofing broadcasting until Goulding’s death in 1990.

➦In 1929...WQXR signed-on as W2XR in NYC.

John Hogan

Now using the call signs WFME began its life as W2XR, owned by inventor John V. L. Hogan, operating at 2100 kHz, which went on the air on March 26, 1929.

Hogan was a radio engineer who owned many patents, and wanted a permit for an experimental station. To avoid interference, the frequency granted in 1934 by the Federal Radio Commission was considerably above the normal broadcasting range, which at that time ended at 1500 kHz. Hogan's permit was one of four construction permits W2XR was licensed as an "experimental broadcast station" on June 29, 1934.

W2XR began to broadcast classical music recordings on 1550 kHz.  His television broadcasts came to naught, but Hogan began to hear from unknown individuals who encouraged him to continue broadcasting music.

In 1936, Hogan and Elliott Sanger formed the Interstate Broadcasting Company, with the intention of turning W2XR into a commercial station at at time when there were already about twenty-five radio stations in New York.

Nielsen: YouTube Achieves Best Media Distributor Performance

YouTube took the lead in Nielsen’s February 2025 Media Distributor Gauge, gaining 2% over January to capture 11.6% of time spent watching TV across the month. This marks YouTube’s best share of TV to date, and is the second time the pure-play streamer has topped the Media Distributor Gauge since Nielsen began tracking in November 2023.

YouTube has exhibited steady usage increases for some time. A longer-term look at the platform’s growth illustrates that time spent watching YouTube on television is up 53% versus two years ago in February 2023, and its share of TV has grown from 7.9% to 11.6% in that time, according to Nielsen’s The Gauge™ reports. Additionally, the overall viewing bump has been increasingly driven by older audiences. Viewing from adults aged 65+ has nearly doubled in the last two years (+96%), and the demographic now represents a viewing contribution similar to that from kids 2-11 (15.4% vs. 16.9%).

FOX-owned entities gained 5% in February on the strength of a successful multi-platform Super Bowl, in addition to a 3% bump in FOX News Channel viewership, which drove 37% of the company’s total viewing. FOX Sports 1 viewership was also up 45% compared with January, primarily attributable to NASCAR events. Overall, FOX achieved an 8.3% share of TV usage in February and climbed from sixth to third in the rankings to notch its highest placement to date in the Media Distributor Gauge.

Following its best monthly performance to date in the Media Distributor Gauge, which was driven by NFL games and the College Football Playoffs, Disney lost two share points in February. This impact dropped them out of the top slot for only the third time since the inception of the Media Distributor Gauge.

Regulations Complicate Potential CMG Acquisition

Potential buyers of Cox Media Group (CMG) face several regulatory challenges, primarily stemming from U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules on media ownership. These hurdles could complicate or delay a sale, such as the one Apollo Global Management is exploring, reportedly valuing CMG at around $4 billion as of March 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the key issues:

Ownership Caps and Market Concentration: The FCC imposes limits on how many TV and radio stations a single entity can own, both nationally and within specific markets. For television, a company can’t reach more than 39% of U.S. households with its stations, adjusted for UHF stations counting at half their reach. 

Radio rules cap ownership at eight stations in the largest markets (with at least 45 stations), dropping to fewer in smaller ones. Potential buyers like Nexstar Media Group or Gray Media, already major players, might bump up against these limits. For instance, Nexstar owns 200 TV stations, and Gray has 180—adding CMG’s 14 TV and 50 radio stations across multiple markets could push them over the edge unless they divest assets. Overlap in markets like Atlanta or Dayton could force sales of existing stations to comply, adding cost and complexity.

Cross-Ownership Restrictions: The FCC’s newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership rule, reinstated in 2019 after a court decision, bans one company from owning a daily newspaper and a TV or radio station in the same market. CMG’s Ohio properties—WHIO-TV, radio stations, and the Dayton Daily News—pose a problem here. 

U-S Officials Mistakenly Shared War Plans With Journalist

Top officials in the Trump administration inadvertently shared sensitive war plans regarding U.S. military strikes on Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels with Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic.

The incident occurred when Goldberg was accidentally added to an encrypted group chat on the Signal messaging app, named the "Houthi PC small group," which included high-ranking officials such as National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, among others.

The chat, which began on March 13, 2025, involved discussions about coordinating U.S. military action against the Houthis, including operational details like targets, weapons, and timing. 

When Goldberg was first added to the Signal chain two weeks ago, he was incredulous. “It didn’t seem plausible to me,” he candidly told Oliver Darcy at the Status newsletter Monday evening. Shane Harris, The Atlantic’s national security reporter who was brought in early on the story, also shared that view initially, Goldberg said. But by Monday morning, after the NSC confirmed the conversation was authentic, there was not a shred of doubt left. The reporting checked out. The story was airtight.

Goldberg received these details firsthand, notably from Hegseth, two hours before the U.S. launched airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen on March 15. The White House, through National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes, acknowledged that the message thread "appears to be authentic" and stated that they were investigating how Goldberg’s number was mistakenly added to the group.

The blunder sparked significant controversy. Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Chris Coons, labeled the use of Signal for such sensitive discussions as "blatantly illegal and dangerous," citing potential violations of U.S. laws on handling classified information and federal record-keeping regulations, especially since the messages were set to auto-delete. 

They called for a congressional investigation, arguing it represented a major breach of national security. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer described it as "one of the most stunning breaches of military intelligence" in recent memory.

President Trump initially claimed ignorance of the incident, telling reporters, "I don’t know anything about it. I’m not a big fan of The Atlantic." Later, he was briefed on the matter, and the White House maintained confidence in its national security team despite the mishap. Hegseth denied the severity of the leak, insisting, "Nobody was texting war plans," and criticized Goldberg as "deceitful," though Goldberg countered on CNN, asserting, "That’s a lie. He was texting war plans."

HEGSETH: "Nobody was texting war plans and that's all I have to say about that." pic.twitter.com/lQKgovsOrS

— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) March 24, 2025

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was adamant Monday that sensitive “war plans” were not being discussed in a Signal chat group that inadvertently included a journalist. 

“Nobody was texting war plans and that’s all I have to say about that,” Hegseth told reporters in Hawaii when asked about a report in The Atlantic revealing a stunning breach of national security involving high-level Trump administration officials.  

The magazine’s top editor, Jeffrey Goldberg, revealed in the piece that he was inadvertently included in a group text on the encrypted Signal app with Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, national security adviser Mike Waltz and other Trump administration officials where internal deliberations and operational details about airstrikes against Houthi terrorists were discussed. 

Goldberg was added to the Signal chain on March 11, well before the strikes in Yemen were carried out on March 15.

Gen Z Prefers Audio Podcasts

At next week’s Evolutions by Podcast Movement, Steven Goldstein, founder of Amplifi Media, and Jay Nachlis, Vice President of Coleman Insights, will unveil The State of Video Podcasting 2025. 

Ahead of the event, Goldstein shared a preview slide from a survey of 1,000 recent podcast consumers, aged 15-64, including 307 Gen Z respondents. The standout insight: just 10% of Gen Z podcast listeners say they never watch video podcasts. Still, there’s complexity beneath the surface—41% of these Gen Z respondents continue to prefer audio-first experiences.

Gen Z podcast trends, reflect this cohort’s unique blend of digital fluency, cultural priorities, and consumption habits. Born roughly between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z—now aged 13 to 28—has embraced podcasts as a key medium, shaping its growth with distinct preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the trends driving their podcast engagement:

Preference for Audio Over Video: Gen Z leans heavily into audio-first experiences, with posts on X last week, claiming 76% prefer podcasts over video formats. This isn’t about rejecting visuals—they’re TikTok natives, after all—but about audio’s flexibility. Podcasts fit their multitasking lifestyle, whether they’re commuting, studying, or gaming. Spotify’s 2024 Culture Next report notes that 50% of Gen Z trust podcasts more than traditional media, valuing the authenticity of a host’s voice over polished TV news or YouTube vlogs.

Rise of Fiction and Narrative Podcasts: Unlike older generations who favor news or self-help, Gen Z gravitates toward fiction. X posts highlight shows like "Welcome to Night Vale" outpacing traditional formats, suggesting a hunger for immersive storytelling. This aligns with their creative bent—80% say audio lets them explore their personalities (Statista, 2022). Think serialized dramas or audio fiction that feels like a mental movie, tapping into their imagination without the screen time of video games or films.

St. Louis Radio: 104.1 KMOX Tweaks Line-Up

The start of a new era at KMOX began Monday, when the iconic St. Louis station expanded its reach by simulcasting its programming on 104.1 FM, alongside its longstanding 1120 AM signal. 

The move marked a significant milestone as KMOX, known as "NewsRadio 1120 - The Voice of St. Louis," approached its 100th anniversary later that year. The addition of a full-market FM signal at 104.1 WHHL, previously home to the hip-hop and R&B format "Hot 104.1," aimed to deliver KMOX’s trusted news, talk, and sports content—including St. Louis Cardinals baseball—with a crisper, more robust sound to a broader audience across the greater St. Louis region. The transition occurred at midnight, with listeners noting a brief silence on 104.1 FM before the KMOX top-of-the-hour tone and CBS hourly news update kicked in, seamlessly integrating the new frequency.

This shift wasn’t just about expanding reach; it prompted a shuffle in KMOX’s daily lineup to capitalize on the enhanced FM presence and reinforce its sports programming, especially with the Cardinals’ season opener looming on March 27. 

AI Cloning Is Becoming Major Threat For Voice Actors

AI voice clones pose an "existential crisis" for voice actors because they threaten the core of their profession: their unique voices and the livelihoods tied to them. This crisis stems from several interlocking issues that fundamentally challenge the identity, agency, and economic stability of voice actors.

First, AI technology can replicate a voice with startling accuracy using just a few seconds of audio—sometimes as little as three seconds. This means a voice actor’s work, built over years of training and performance, can be digitized and reused indefinitely without their involvement. For instance, once a voice is cloned, companies can generate new content—commercials, audiobooks, video game dialogue—without hiring the actor again, slashing job opportunities. 

Actors have reported their voices being scraped from past projects or social media and turned into AI models without their consent, leaving them to compete with a cheaper, tireless version of themselves.

Ticket Sales Drop for The Cowboy Carter Tour

Ticket prices for Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter Tour" have dropped significantly in several U.S. cities, with some seats sinking below $35.

The slow sales are a surprising turn for the highly anticipated tour, which follows the Grammy-winning success of her 2024 album Cowboy Carter, including accolades for Album of the Year and Best Country Album. Despite the initial buzz and a reported 94% sell-through of tickets across its 31-date run after presales, the tour appears to be experiencing sluggish sales in certain markets as it approaches its April 28 kickoff at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Digital Music News notes that tickets for shows at major venues such as SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, have dipped to as low as $29 and $32, respectively, on platforms like Ticketmaster, StubHub, and VividSeats. This contrasts sharply with earlier reports of high demand during presales in February 2025, where floor seats often exceeded $1,000 and even nosebleeds started above $100. Posts on X and articles from outlets like ThePopStuff (March 12, 2025) suggest that thousands of unsold seats remain across U.S. and UK dates, prompting discounts and seat upgrades to fill venues and mask empty sections.

Several factors might explain the trend. 

The tour’s limited 31-date schedule across nine cities—fewer than the 55-date Renaissance Tour in 2023—may have oversaturated specific markets, especially with multiple nights in cities like Los Angeles (five shows) and Atlanta (three shows, with two added due to initial demand). 

Critics on X have pointed to a lack of "cowboy corners," noting that the tour skips traditional country music strongholds, focusing instead on urban centers like New York, Chicago, and Houston.

Additionally, the high initial ticket prices—ranging from $70 to over $2,000 for VIP packages—drew backlash from fans on social media, potentially deterring purchases until prices fell. Beyoncé’s foray into country with Cowboy Carter has also faced mixed reception, with some labeling her a "country music tourist," possibly impacting enthusiasm among diverse fan bases.

Despite the sluggish sales, the tour remains a financial juggernaut, projected to gross over $325 million, outpacing the per-show earnings of the Renaissance Tour due to its premium pricing strategy. However, the current discounting suggests a shift to broaden accessibility as the start date nears. 

For example, Ticketmaster’s "Verified Resale" tickets for some shows have dropped to $49 from an original $105.50, per My_CountryMusic on X. Fans are reportedly waiting for last-minute bargains, a strategy validated by these price cuts.

50th Annual Gracies Awards Winners Are Announced

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) announces the 50th Annual Gracie Awards, honoring five decades of women’s voices in media. This milestone celebrates past trailblazers and the ongoing impact of women shaping the industry.

Winners like Cristin Milioti, Descendants: The Rise of Red, Dune: Prophecy, Megan Thee Stallion, Lena Waithe, Mayim Bialik, Kathy Bates, and Keke Palmer will be feted at the Gala on May 20, 2025, at the Beverly Wilshire in LA, hosted by comedian Fortune Feimster. Local and student honorees will be recognized June 18 at Cipriani’s in NYC.

For 50 years, the Gracies have championed excellence and equity, honoring icons like Ava DuVernay, Oprah Winfrey, and Taylor Swift. This year’s recipients continue that legacy, driving change across media platforms.

“These awards celebrate storytellers who redefine what’s possible,” said AWMF President Becky Brooks. “With Fortune Feimster hosting, our Golden Anniversary will be unforgettable.”
Feimster, of Netflix’s Crushing It and upcoming Zootopia 2, hosts amid her Takin’ Care of Biscuits tour. The female-led production, by Do Great Projects and Mythical Creators, features an all-women crew. Sponsors include CNN and iHeartMedia.

➤For The Complete Winners List: Click HERE

Philly Radio: Longtime B101 Morning Co-Host Signs-Off

Jenn Ryan

Jenn Ryan, the beloved co-host of the B101 Morning Show, Monday announced her retirement, closing a remarkable 32-year career in radio. 

For 16 of those years, she called B101 (WBEB-FM) in Philadelphia home, with 14 spent anchoring the B101 Morning Show with Jenn & Bill alongside Bill Ellis. Her departure marks the end of an era for one of the city’s longest-running and most cherished morning duos.

Jenn’s tenure at B101 was a cornerstone of the station’s success. The Jenn & Bill partnership became a Philadelphia institution, earning accolades like a Gracie Award for best local talent and a Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters award for best morning show. Her warm, engaging presence turned listeners into loyal companions, sharing in life’s highs and lows over the airwaves. Starting with two years in middays at B101, she transitioned to mornings in 2011, cementing her legacy with Bill.

In her emotional announcement, Jenn shared, “This is with very mixed emotions that I want to tell you guys I’m retiring from radio. After 32 years of working in radio—the best career I ever could have had—exactly half of it, 16 years, has been right here on B101. This has been the most joyous time of my life—I mean my marriage, my kids, and my job here on the B. 

Milwaukee Radio: The Door Keeps Revolving At Radio Alliance

Melissa Jordan, the midday host at Milwaukee’s WLDB-FM (B93.3), announced her nearly decade-long tenure at the Milwaukee Radio Alliance’s adult-contemporary station has come to an end. 

The news broke via a heartfelt social media post on Facebook, dated March 22, 2025, where Jordan shared her mixed emotions about the departure.

Melissa Jordan

“I’m really heartbroken to say my time at the Milwaukee Radio Alliance and B93.3 is over,” she wrote. “It’s been an incredible run, and I’ve loved being part of this community. I feel gratitude to the company and understand that tough decisions have to be made. I’m proud of the work that’s been done—building connections with listeners, sharing music and moments—and even though change is tough, I’m gonna be just fine.” Her post struck a tone of resilience, hinting at optimism despite the abrupt exit.

Jordan’s departure follows a wave of changes at the Milwaukee Radio Alliance, a locally owned group that operates several stations in the market. Just days earlier, news surfaced that Jon Adler, the veteran morning host at sister station WLUM-FM (102.1), known for its alternative rock format, had also been let go after a long stint. 

TV Ratings: First-Round Hoops Sets Record

Thursday night’s NCAA Tournament games set a new record for the most-watched prime-time first-round slate in March Madness history, pulling in an average of 12.2 million viewers across CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV.

The standout game in the prime-time slot was Arkansas’ 79-72 win over Kansas on CBS, drawing the largest audience of the night.

Other early prime-time matchups included Tennessee versus Wofford on TNT, Yale against Texas A&M on TBS, and Drake taking on Missouri on truTV.

Three of the four contests stayed close. Texas A&M only broke away from Yale late in the second half, while 11th-seeded Drake upset No. 6 seed Missouri in a tight finish.

The late game on CBS saw St. John’s dominate Omaha, winning 83-53.

Across the full day, Thursday’s 16 games averaged 9.1 million viewers, up 6% from the previous year.

Through Thursday, including the First Four, the tournament is averaging 8.8 million viewers under the current 68-team format—the highest ever recorded for this structure—marking an 8% increase over 2024.

Religious Broadcasters Worry About Proposed FLA Senate Bill

The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), an international association of evangelical Christian communicators, urged Florida state lawmakers to oppose Senate Bill 752 (SB 752). The NRB expressed concerns that the bill could lead to a surge of "lawfare"—a term referring to the strategic use of legal action to intimidate or silence opponents—targeting Christian broadcasters. 

The appeal was detailed in a letter sent by NRB's general counsel, Michael Farris, to GOP state Senate President Ben Albritton, obtained by Fox News Digital.

SB 752 aims to amend Florida’s retraction statute, which traditionally limits defamation damages if a publisher issues a correction or retraction. The proposed changes would require publishers to also remove online content deemed false if a "reasonable person" would conclude it is untrue, or if a judicial proceeding has determined its falsity. The NRB argues that this vague standard could be exploited to suppress Christian viewpoints, particularly on contentious social issues.

PQ Media Forecasts Ad Spend To Decelerate

Global advertising and marketing spending accelerated in 2024, rising 8.7% to $1.776 trillion, but spending is projected to decelerate in 2025, posting only a 5.3% gain, as inflation and recessionary fears reappear in many markets due to the expectation that the Trump Administration will levy higher tariffs on foreign goods, which may lead to major trading partners imposing counter tariffs on US goods. Growth in 2024 was fueled by the influx of advertising & marketing dollars from elections in 15 of the 20 largest global markets as well as worldwide coverage of the Paris Summer Olympics, according to new research released today by leading media economist PQ Media.

The global advertising sector grew 7.9% in 2024 to $791.61 billion, while the overall marketing sector expanded 9.4% to $984.49 billion, according to PQ Media's Global Advertising & Marketing Spending Forecast 2025-2029. Global digital & alternative media spending increased 13.3% to $935.07 billion in 2024, while traditional media spend grew 4.1% to $841.09 billion.

Report: 76 Percent Will Cut The Cord Before 2028

A new report is out that claims 76% of US homes will cut the cord before 2028. 

The forecast comes from Convergence Research’s “Battle for the American Couch Potato” report, published Monday. According to the analysis, by the end of 2027, 76% of US households are expected to lack traditional TV subscriptions. 

The estimate is based on a trajectory where cable, telecom, and satellite TV accounts have been declining steadily—dropping by 6.5 million in 2024 alone—while OTT subscription revenue grows, reaching $69.5 billion in 2024 and projected to hit $81.5 billion in 2025. The report highlights that in 2024, 64% of US homes (approximately 86 million households) were already without traditional TV subscriptions, and this share is expected to rise as annual losses of around 5.6 million subscribers continue through 2027, alongside a consistent 12% yearly decline in pay-TV penetration.

Philly Radio: WPHT Supports Veterans With $117K+ Fundraiser

Audacy’s Talk Radio 1210 WPHT in Philadelphia has announced hey raised $117,198 and counting in support of veterans through its 8th annual “Talk Radio 1210 WPHT Radiothon,” benefiting Travis Manion Foundation. Travis Manion Foundation, led by veterans and families of the fallen, empowers communities by developing, uniting and showcasing role models who lead with character.

“The incredible passion and generosity of WPHT’s listeners and advertisers make a difference, and we are truly grateful,” said David Yadgaroff, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Philadelphia. “Audacy Philadelphia has been a dedicated supporter of Travis Manion Foundation for years and it’s an honor to recognize the profound impact of their work on veterans in our community.”

Radio History: March 25

➦In 1874...this date marks the birth of Guglielmo Marconi in Bologna, Italy. Marconi would go on to become a pivotal figure in radio history, pioneering long-distance radio transmission and earning the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1909 for his contributions to wireless telegraphy. His work laid the technological foundation for radio broadcasting as we know it, making his birth a significant precursor to later developments in the field.

➦In 1918...Sports personality Howard Cosell born (died at age 77 -  April 23, 1995). He  was prominent and influential on radio, television and print media from the early 1960s into the mid 1980s. Cosell was widely known for his blustery, confident personality said of himself, "Arrogant, pompous, obnoxious, vain, cruel, verbose, a showoff. There's no question that I'm all of those things."

In 1993, TV Guide named Howard Cosell The All-Time Best Sportscaster in its issue celebrating 40 years of television. In 1996, he was ranked #47 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time

After the WW2, Cosell began practicing law in Manhattan, primarily union law. Some of his clients were actors, and some were athletes, including Willie Mays. Cosell's own hero in athletics was Jackie Robinson, who served as a personal and professional inspiration to him in his career. Cosell also represented the Little League of New York, when in 1953 an ABC Radio manager asked him to host a show on New York flagship WABC featuring Little League participants. The show marked the beginning of a relationship with WABC and ABC Radio that would last his entire broadcasting career.

Cosell hosted the Little League show for three years without pay, and then decided to leave the law field to become a full-time broadcaster. He approached Robert Pauley, President of ABC Radio, with a proposal for a weekly show. Pauley told him the network could not afford to develop untried talent, but he would be put on the air if he would get a sponsor. To Pauley's surprise, Cosell came back with a relative's shirt company as a sponsor, and "Speaking of Sports" was born.

Cosell took his "tell it like it is" approach when he teamed with the ex-Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher "Big Numba Thirteen" Ralph Branca on WABC's pre- and post-game radio shows of the New York Mets in their nascent years beginning in 1962. He pulled no punches in taking members of the hapless expansion team to task.

Otherwise on radio, Cosell did his show, Speaking of Sports, as well as sports reports and updates for affiliated radio stations around the country; he continued his radio duties even after he became prominent on television. Cosell then became a sports anchor at WABC-TV in New York, where he served in that role from 1961 to 1974. He expanded his commentary beyond sports to a radio show entitled "Speaking of Everything".

Cosell rose to prominence covering boxer Muhammad Ali, starting when he still fought under his birth name, Cassius Clay. The two seemed to have an affinity despite their different personalities, and complemented each other in broadcasts. Cosell was one of the first sportscasters to refer to the boxer as Muhammad Ali after he changed his name and supported him when he refused to be inducted into the military. Cosell was also an outspoken supporter of Olympic sprinters John Carlos and Tommie Smith after they raised their fists in a "black power" salute during their 1968 medal ceremony. In a time when many sports broadcasters avoided touching social, racial, or other controversial issues, and kept a certain level of collegiality towards the sports figures they commented on, Cosell did not, and indeed built a reputation around his catchphrase, "I'm just telling it like it is."

Cosell's style of reporting very much transformed sports broadcasting. Whereas previous sportscasters had mostly been known for color commentary and lively play-by-play, Cosell had an intellectual approach. His use of analysis and context arguably brought television sports reporting very close to the kind of in-depth reporting one expected from "hard" news reporters. At the same time, however, his distinctive staccato voice, accent, syntax, and cadence were a form of color commentary all their own.

➦In 1943...Comedian Jimmy Durante teamed with radio personality Garry Moore for The Durante-Moore Show. Durante's comic chemistry with the young, brushcut Moore brought Durante an even larger audience. The pair replaced the popular Abbott and Costello following Lou Costello’s heart attack.

"Dat's my boy dat said dat!" became an instant catchphrase. The duo became one of the nation's favorites for the rest of the decade, including a well-reviewed Armed Forces Radio Network command performance with Frank Sinatra that remains a favorite of radio collectors today.

Moore left in mid-1947, and the program returned October 1, 1947 as The Jimmy Durante Show. Durante worked in radio for three years after Moore's 1947 departure.

➦In 1958…Elvis Presley had his famous hair cut short by Army barber James Peterson. The pop icon was assigned to the Second Medium Tank Battalion of the 2nd Armored Division, the "Hell On Wheels" division once led by General George Patton, based at Fort Hood, Texas.