Weekly TV Ratings: FNC Tops NBC, ABC Again In Primetime

For the week, The Five averaged nearly 4.1 million viewers and 429,000 in the 25-54 demo, leading cable news across the board, notching the 19th consecutive week the program surpassed 4 million total viewers. 

At 6 PM/ET, Special Report with Bret Baier drew 3.2 million viewers and 324,000 in the 25-54 demo. The Ingraham Angle saw 3.1 million viewers and 320,000 in the 25-54 demo at 7 PM/ET. At 8 PM/ET, Jesse Watters Primetime delivered 3.7 million viewers and 417,000 in the 25-54 demo. At 9 PM/ET, Hannity posted 3 million viewers and 359,000 with A25-54. At 11 PM/ET, FOX News @ Night secured 1.6 million viewers and 254,000 in the 25-54 demo.

On Thursday, March 27th, Special Report with Bret Baier’s exclusive interview with Elon Musk and seven members of the DOGE team was the highest rated show on cable news and outpaced CBS Evening News with viewers, drawing in 3.8 million viewers and 394,000 A25-54 compared to CBS’ 3.1 million viewers. For the week, the show averaged 3.2 million viewers and 324,000 A25-54.

FNC’s The Will Cain Show continued to drive up the ratings at 4 PM/ET commanding 2.2 million viewers and 252,000 in the 25-54 demo, a 39% increase with viewers compared to the same week last year.

At 10 PM/ET, FNC’s late-night offering Gutfeld! secured 3.2 million viewers and 407,000 with A25-54. Gutfeld! once again topped the broadcast competition including CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (1,639,000 viewers; 286,000 A25-54), ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! (1,470,000 viewers; 222,000 A25-54) and NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (1,052,000 viewers; 230,000 A25-54).

FNC continued to see a number of its daytime programs outpace the broadcast competition. The Will Cain Show (weekdays, 4 PM/ET; 2,203,000 viewers), Outnumbered (weekdays, 12 PM/ET; 2,124,000 viewers), America’s Newsroom (weekdays, 9-11 AM/ET; 2,090,000 viewers), America Reports (weekdays, 1-3 PM/ET; 2,056,000 viewers), The Story with Martha MacCallum (weekdays, 3 PM/ET; 2,034,000 viewers) and Harris Faulkner’s The Faulkner Focus (weekdays, 11 AM/ET; 2,030,000 viewers) all led CBS Mornings (2,002,000 viewers), NBC’s Today Third Hour (1,749,000 viewers), ABC’s GMA3 (1,337,000 viewers), NBC’s Today with Jenna & Friends (1,263,00 viewers) and NBC News Daily (1,098,000 viewers) with viewers. 

On Saturday: My View with Lara Trump (Saturday, 9 PM/ET) was the most watched show of the day with viewers with the exclusive interview with Trump Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, notching 1.8 million viewers and 183,000 in the 25-54 demo. Life, Liberty & Levin (weekends, 8 PM/ET) was the second most watched show of the day with 1.7 million viewers and 171,000 in the 25-54 demo. The Big Weekend Show was most-watched among the 25-54 demo (212,000 A25-54).

On Sunday: Maria Bartiromo’s Sunday Morning Futures was the top show of the day with 2.1 million viewers and 268,000 in the 25-54 demo. One Nation with Brian Kilmeade (Sunday, 10 PM/ET) followed in the 25-54 demo with 204,000 A25-54 viewers while Sunday Night in America (Sunday, 9 PM/ET) was second most-watched in primetime with 1.7 million viewers.

Source: Nielsen. Live+SD. Week of 2-24-25 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.

Quarterly TV Ratings: Fox News Channel Hits New High

Fox News Channel had the highest-rated quarter among weekday total viewers in cable news history during the first quarter of 2025, also topping broadcast competition in key measurables along the way. 

During the historic quarter, Fox News averaged 2.2 million total day viewers on weekdays as Americans relied on the network for information and analysis during a momentous news cycle. 

Fox News averaged 1.9 million total viewers, double the viewership of No. 2 ESPN, which averaged 869,000 total day viewers. MSNBC managed an average audience of 593,000 and CNN settled for 428,000 despite the news-heavy quarter. 

Fox News also finished No. 1 in all of cable during the primetime hours of 8-11 p.m., averaging over three million viewers to trounce all other networks. ESPN finished second with 2.3 million total primetime viewers, and MSNBC finished third with a smidge over one million. Fox News has now marked 93 consecutive quarters as the most-watched cable news network in primetime. 

CNN averaged only 558,000 and lost to HGTV and Hallmark as the network’s primetime lineup continues to struggle. 

It was Fox News’ highest quarter cable news share ever, dwarfing with 65% of the audience in total day and 66% in primetime. Fox News saw double-digit year-over-year growth in all categories while CNN and MSNBC saw declines across the board in both total day and primetime.

Fox News’ primetime lineup also outdrew broadcast competition on NBC and ABC for the entire quarter. 

Fox News completely dominated cable news among the key demographic of adults aged 25-54, averaging 247,000 total day viewers among the advertiser-coveted group compared to 79,000 for CNN. It was CNN lowest rated quarter ever in the category and the fourth time since the beginning of 2024 that CNN has had an all-time low.

During primetime, Fox News averaged 380,000 demo viewers compared to 121,000 for CNN. 

MSNBC’s ongoing struggles in the critical category continued, as it managed only 57,000 total day viewers among the demo to finish behind options including Investigation Discovery, FX, HGTV, Food Network. 

MSNBC’s turnout was even worse during primetime, as the liberal network managed only 96,000 primetime viewers among the key demo to finish behind 18 different cable news offerings, including A&E, Nick-at-Nite, Comedy Central and Adult Swim. It was MSNBC’s sixth lowest-rated quarter ever and things aren’t expected to get any easier in the second quarter when "The Rachel Maddow Show" reverts to only airing once a week following President Trump’s first 100 days in office. 

"The Five" averaged 4.6 million viewers to finish as the No. 1 show on cable news as Fox News programs occupied the top 12 spots. 

"The Five," with Greg Gutfeld, Jesse Watters, Dana Perino, Jeanine Pirro and rotating co-hosts Jessica Tarlov and Harold Ford Jr., made cable news history as the first non-primetime program to be the most watched by viewers for 14 consecutive quarters. It also surpassed broadcast programs including "American Idol," "Survivor" and "The Neighborhood."

"Special Report with Bret Baier," which featured exclusive newsworthy interviews including sit-downs with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Elon Musk and his DOGE team, dominated its timeslot with an average audience of 3.5 million viewers. "Special Report" even outdrew "CBS Evening News" five times during the first quarter. 

"Gutfeld!" continued to break records as it delivered its highest-rated quarter in program history with 3.3 million viewers, topping all broadcast and late-night television, including CBS’ "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," ABC’s "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," NBC’s "The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon," "Late Night with Seth Meyers," CBS’ "After Midnight" and Comedy Central’s "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart."

"Jesse Watters Primetime," "Hannity," "The Ingraham Angle," "The Will Cain Show," "Outnumbered," "The Faulkner Focus," "America Reports" with John Roberts and Sandra Smith, Martha MacCallum’s "The Story" and America’s Newsroom with Dana Perino and Bill Hemmer" all also topped anything MSNBC or CNN had to offer, while "FOX News @ Night" and "FOX & Friends" also dominated their timeslots. 

"America’s Newsroom," "The Faulkner Focus," "Outnumbered" and "America Reports" all had their highest-rated quarters of all time.

MSNBC’s "The Rachel Maddow Show" finished No. 13 as the most-watched program that doesn’t air on Fox News with nearly two million viewers. CNN’s most-popular program was "The Lead with Jake Tapper," which averaged 662,000 total viewers to finish No. 26 among cable news shows.

Fox News also continued to shine throughout the weekend during the quarter, thumping CNN and MSNBC across both total day and primetime among total viewers and winning every hour of the day, topping the liberal outlets combined among total viewers. 

More Independents and Democrats continued to tune in to Fox News over any other cable network, according to data from Nielsen MRI Fusion. This helped Fox News dominate coverage of political events, topping all of television with coverage of Inauguration Day and President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress. 

"Hannity" landed the first joint interview with President Trump and Elon Musk on February 18, which drew a staggering average audience of 5.4 million.

Fox Business Network Crushes CNBC In 1Q 2025

FOX Business Network (FBN) crushed its competition in 1Q '25 for the first time in business day (FBN’s 221,000 total viewers vs. CNBC’s 200,000 total viewers), market hours (FBN’s 210,000 total viewers vs. CNBC’s 204,000 total viewers) and total day (FBN’s 141,000 total viewers vs. CNBC’s 127,000 total viewers) since 2022, according to Nielsen Media Research. 

During the first quarter, the network delivered four of the top 10 business programs with total viewers. Additionally, FBN’s Kudlow ranked as the top business program for the 13th consecutive quarter.

As markets reacted to the new administration, the network saw its highest rated quarter since 2022 in business day viewers securing 221,000 total viewers, besting the competition by 11%. Additionally, FBN saw a 3% advantage in market hours which accounted for the network’s most highly rated quarter since 2022 with 210,000 total viewers. In total day, FBN captured a 11% advantage over CNBC seeing its highest rated quarter since 2022 nabbing 141,000 total viewers.

For the 13th consecutive quarter, Larry Kudlow’s eponymous Kudlow (4 PM/ET) secured its place as the top business program in cable business news. The program captured 326,000 total viewers marking a whopping 81% advantage over CNBC’s Closing Bell. FBN’s three-hour market-open program, Stuart Varney’s Varney & Co. outpaced CNBC’s Squawk on the Street for the 12th consecutive quarter with a 25% lead (269,000 total viewers).

Notably, both The Evening Edit (5 PM/ET) with Elizabeth MacDonald and The Bottom Line (6 PM/ET) ranked in the top ten business programs. The Evening Edit secured a 29% advantage over CNBC’s Fast Money (213,000 total viewers), while The Bottom Line saw a 26% lead over CNBC’s Mad Money (186,000 total viewers), marking both programs' fourth straight quarterly win over their competitors. Since moving to the 5 PM/ET slot in 2022, The Evening Edit delivered its highest rated quarter in the hour since 2020 with total viewers.

Maria Bartiromo

Throughout pre-market hours, Maria Bartiromo’s Mornings with Maria (6-9 AM/ET) drew 115,000 viewers across its three hours, besting CNBC’s Squawk Box for the eighth consecutive quarter. FBN’s additional core business day programs including The Big Money Show (12-2 PM/ET; 175,000 viewers) and Making Money with Charles Payne (2 PM/ET; 166,000 viewers) saw their highest rated quarters since 2022. Additionally, Liz Claman’s The Claman Countdown (3 PM/ET; 162,000 viewers) saw record high quarterly ratings with total viewers since 2024 and with the A25-54 demo since 2023. On Fridays, Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street (Fridays, 7-7:30 PM/ET; 100,000 viewers) posted a 35% advantage over CNBC’s programming, accounting for its third quarterly win in a row over CNBC. Barron’s Roundtable (Fridays, 7:30-8 PM/ET) nabbed 66,000 total viewers and saw 29% growth from first quarter 2024.

College Student, Subject of Viral Rumor, Plans Legal Action

Mary Kate Cornett, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), has found herself at the center of a viral rumor that significantly disrupted her life. The rumor, which falsely claimed she had an affair with her boyfriend’s father, originated on the anonymous messaging app YikYak in February 2025 and quickly spread across social media platforms like X and TikTok. 

The situation escalated when high-profile sports media personalities, including ESPN host Pat McAfee, discussed the rumor on his show, "The Pat McAfee Show," on February 26, 2025, amplifying its reach to millions. Despite McAfee not naming Cornett directly and using the term "allegedly," the rumor’s spread led to severe consequences for her.

Cornett and her family have consistently denied the allegations, labeling them "categorically false." 

Mary Kate Cornett

The fallout has been devastating: she faced relentless online and in-person harassment, including threatening messages, doxxing, and an apparent swatting incident at her mother’s home in Houston. She was forced to move into emergency housing on campus, switch to online classes, and remove her name from her dorm room door due to safety concerns. The emotional toll was immense, with Cornett describing sleepless nights, anxiety-induced vomiting, and an inability to eat as she worried about the long-term impact on her life.

In response, Cornett has spoken out about her ordeal, notably in an interview with The Athletic published on April 1, 2025. 

She expressed a desire for accountability, stating, “I would like people to be held accountable for what they’ve done. You’re ruining my life by talking about it on your show for nothing but attention.” 

She has retained legal representation and is planning to take legal action against McAfee, ESPN (which airs his show), and potentially others, such as Barstool Sports personalities who also referenced the rumor online. Her attorney, Monica Uddin, suggested that the case could target those who profited from spreading the falsehood, framing it as a modern twist on a familiar problem of defamation amplified by social media.

Analyst Steve Kornacki Exits MSNBC With Move to NBC

Steve Kornacki, widely recognized for his detailed election night analyses and signature khaki pants, has exited MSNBC after 13 years with the network to take on a new role with NBC News and NBC Sports. 

The move comes amid a broader corporate restructuring, as Comcast, the parent company of both MSNBC and NBCUniversal, is spinning off MSNBC and other cable assets into a new entity tentatively called "SpinCo." This separation has prompted a reshuffling of talent, with Kornacki opting to stay with NBC News rather than remain with the soon-to-be-independent MSNBC.

In his new position, Kornacki has been named chief data analyst for NBC News and NBC Sports. 

This role expands his presence across NBC’s platforms, where he will provide statistical analysis for polling and election results, as well as major sporting events. He is expected to appear regularly on programs like "Meet the Press," "NBC Nightly News," "Today," and the streaming service NBC News Now. Additionally, his expertise will extend to NBC Sports coverage, including NFL football, the Olympics, and the Kentucky Derby. The move also builds on his previous contributions to NBC Sports, such as his work on "Football Night in America" and horse racing broadcasts, reflecting his long-standing interest in sports data.

Kornacki’s departure is a notable loss for MSNBC, where he became a fan favorite, particularly during the 2020 presidential election when his marathon coverage at the "big board" earned him viral fame and accolades like being named one of People magazine’s “Sexiest Men Alive.”

L-A Radio: Kevin Ryder Is Back and He's On KROQ-FM

Audacy’s World Famous KROQ-FM welcomes back Radio Hall of Fame inductee Kevin Ryder. Listeners can tune into his new show on KROQ, weekdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. PT. Megan Holiday will now host evenings.

“Kevin Ryder is a Radio Hall of Fame Broadcaster who spent most of his adult life waking up SoCal with his former partner Bean,” said Kevin Weatherly, Senior Vice President of Programming, KROQ. “Their authentic and irreverent morning show is legendary, and I’ve had the privilege of having a front-row seat for the majority of it. Kevin’s return to KROQ in afternoons is a full circle moment in the best way possible.”

Kevin Ryder

“I spent half of my life with my fellow favorite weirdos, helping to make KROQ an iconic radio station and a global destination to foster and nurture musical groups,” said Ryder. “It was also a home for many LA listeners, and with my old boss back programming KROQ, I’m excited to be speaking my own version of the English language again at the station I love.”

Ryder began his career at KROQ on January 2, 1990, alongside Gene “Bean” Baxter on “The Kevin & Bean Show.” Together, they became the number-one show in the Los Angeles market and the longest-running morning show in the country. Their influence earned them an induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2019. From 2021 to 2024, Ryder co-hosted afternoons at KLOS-FM in Los Angeles.

📻Listeners can tune in to KROQ in Los Angeles on air and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station on social media via X, Facebook and Instagram.

NFL Mulls Opting Out Of Current Media Deals

The NFL is reportedly considering opting out of its current media rights agreements, which were signed in March 2021 and extend through the 2033 season, as it believes these decade-long deals undervalue its content. 

The agreements, valued at over $100 billion, involve major networks and platforms like CBS, Fox, NBC, ABC/ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has publicly stated that the league’s deals are “undervalued,” pointing to the NFL’s unmatched viewership dominance—evidenced by extraordinary ratings, including Super Bowl LIX in February 2025 becoming the most-watched U.S. telecast ever.

The contracts include opt-out clauses allowing the NFL to exit most deals after the 2029 season (with ESPN’s opt-out following in 2030), providing a window to renegotiate or seek new partners. This potential move comes amid a rapidly shifting media landscape and escalating sports rights values. For instance, the NBA’s recent 11-year, $77 billion deal, despite lower viewership than the NFL, has fueled speculation that the NFL could command even higher fees. Analysts and league insiders suggest the NFL is a “virtual lock” to exercise these opt-outs, driven by its status as the top aggregator of large audiences in an increasingly fragmented media environment.

The current deals, while lucrative, reflect a doubling of previous rights fees—Fox, NBC, and CBS saw 100% increases, ESPN 30-35%, and Amazon pays $1 billion annually for Thursday Night Football. Yet, the NFL’s leverage has only grown since 2021. Its games remain the most-viewed programming across TV and streaming, and the rise of legal sports betting and streaming platforms like Amazon, Apple, and Google (YouTube) introduces deeper-pocketed bidders. Sources indicate the league could aim to double its annual media revenue again, potentially exceeding $20 billion, by re-entering the market in 2029.

This strategy isn’t without risks. Traditional partners like Fox and CBS rely heavily on NFL content to sustain their business models, using it to negotiate high carriage fees with distributors. An opt-out could shift games to streamers, threatening legacy media’s viability while empowering tech giants.

TV Ratings: March Madness Falls Flat

The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has seen an unusual twist with all four #1 seeds—Florida, Duke, Houston, and Auburn—advancing to the Final Four, a rare occurrence last seen in 2008. This "chalky" outcome, where top seeds dominate, has coincided with TV ratings that have fallen flat compared to expectations, despite the presence of powerhouse teams. 

Here’s a breakdown based on available trends and insights as of Tuesday.

Through the first two rounds of the 2025 tournament, viewership data showed an average of around 9 million viewers across CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, roughly in line with the 9.9 million average for the 2024 tournament but down from earlier highs like the 11.83 million for the 2015 Final Four. The Elite Eight averaged approximately 8.7 million viewers, a notable dip from past years with more Cinderella stories, such as 2023’s 11.34 million. The Final Four games, set for April 5 in San Antonio, are projected to draw between 12-14 million viewers based on historical patterns, but early indications suggest they may not surpass the 14.82 million from the 2024 men’s final—let alone the 18.87 million for the women’s final that year.

Several factors contribute to this plateau. First, the lack of upsets has muted the unpredictability that typically drives March Madness viewership. Historically, Cinderella runs—like 11-seed NC State’s 2024 Final Four appearance or 16-seed Fairleigh Dickinson’s 2023 upset—boost ratings by drawing casual fans to compelling underdog narratives. In 2025, the tournament’s second round saw no team seeded lower than 12 advance, and the Sweet 16 featured only Power Four conference teams, a first since the 1985 expansion. 

Second, competition from the women’s tournament has intensified. In 2024, the women’s Final Four averaged 11.83 million viewers, outpacing the men’s 11.34 million, driven by stars like Caitlin Clark. With women’s games now overlapping in cultural impact—projected 2025 viewership could again top 15 million—the men’s tournament faces a split audience, especially when its narrative lacks the drama of lower seeds crashing the party.

Third, the games themselves have lacked late drama. 

AM Radio Bill Gets Strong Support In U-S Senate

The U.S. Senate has demonstrated overwhelming bipartisan support for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act in 2025, a bill aimed at ensuring AM radio remains a standard feature in all new vehicles sold in the United States. 

The legislation, reintroduced on January 29, 2025, by Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), reflects a rare unity across party lines, driven by AM radio’s critical role in emergency communications and its cultural significance.

On Tuesday, the bill secured a filibuster-proof supermajority in the Senate, reaching 60 cosponsors—a key milestone that ensures it can overcome procedural hurdles like a filibuster, which requires 60 votes to end debate and proceed to a final vote. This tally includes a broad coalition of 16 Democrats, 32 Republicans, and independents like Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who caucuses with Democrats, showcasing its widespread appeal. 

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act mandates that the Department of Transportation (DOT) issue a rule within one year of enactment requiring all passenger motor vehicles—manufactured, imported, or sold in the U.S.—to include AM broadcast access as standard equipment at no extra cost to consumers.

Support stems from AM radio’s proven utility during crises—like wildfires or hurricanes—when it serves as a lifeline via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, reaching over 90% of Americans through 4,500 stations. 

In the House, the companion bill (H.R. 8449), led by Representatives Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) and Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), has garnered 262 cosponsors—129 Republicans and 133 Democrats—exceeding a majority of the 435-member chamber by September 2024. It passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee 45-2 on September 18, 2024, and awaits a floor vote. The House version aligns with the Senate’s text, easing potential reconciliation if both chambers pass it.

Nebraska-Iowa Radio: Jennifer Stocker Area President For iHM

iHeartMedia has announced Jennifer Stocker has been named Area President for the Nebraska-Iowa Area. iHeartMedia Nebraska-Iowa encompasses more than 35 stations and has the leading consumer reach and influence across multiple platforms.

As Area President, Jennifer Stocker will have oversight for the Omaha, Des Moines, Sioux City, Davenport, Ogallala and Cedar Rapids markets. She will report to Shosh Abromovich, Division President for iHeartMedia.

Jennifer Stocker

“I am excited to announce that Jen will be leading the Nebraska-Iowa Area! Jen’s strong work ethic, organizational skills, positive attitude, culture-first mentality and competitive drive make her the perfect fit to elevate this Area to new heights. Her passion for our radio brands and profound understanding of the connection with our audience across all platforms will foster growth within our community, advertising partners and team,” said Abromovich.

Stocker has been with iHeartMedia for over 25 years and is now joining the Nebraska-Iowa Area from the MidNorth Area. In her previous role, she served as a leader across the six markets that comprise the MidNorth Area and directly oversaw the Grand Forks, ND market as the Market President. Jennifer is a proud graduate of the University of North Dakota.

“I am deeply honored and excited to take on the role of Area President for the Nebraska-Iowa region at iHeartMedia. This position offers the privilege of working with an exceptionally talented team while serving the dynamic and vibrant communities that make this region so unique. I look forward to advancing iHeartMedia’s legacy of innovation and connection, and I’m eager to collaborate with our partners to create outstanding experiences for both our listeners and clients,” said Jen Stocker

3 NFL Games Scheduled for Christmas Day

The NFL has confirmed plans to schedule three games on Christmas Day 2025, marking a significant expansion of its holiday presence. This decision, announced during the NFL owners' meetings in late March 2025, builds on the league's recent embrace of Christmas as a key broadcasting event, regardless of the day of the week it falls on. In 2025, Christmas lands on a Thursday, December 25, prompting the league to organize a triple-header that leverages both streaming and traditional platforms.

Two of the games will be streamed exclusively on Netflix, continuing a three-year partnership that began in 2024, when the platform aired its first NFL games—the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans—drawing over 24 million viewers each. 

The third game will air on Amazon Prime Video as part of its established Thursday Night Football package, aligning with the holiday’s Thursday slot. This structure mirrors the NFL’s Thanksgiving model, where three games have become a staple, and reflects a strategic push to dominate another major holiday.

The move follows the success of the 2024 Christmas double-header, which defied initial skepticism about midweek games (that year, Christmas fell on a Wednesday) and delivered record streaming numbers for Netflix, with a combined U.S. audience nearing 65 million. 

Historically, the NFL avoided Christmas games unless they fell on a Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, but since 2020, it has played at least one game annually on the holiday, with triple-headers in 2022 and 2023 averaging over 27 million viewers per game on traditional TV. The 2025 plan, however, fully commits to streaming, with no mention of over-the-air broadcasts beyond local markets, signaling a shift in how the league delivers content.

Specific matchups and kickoff times remain unannounced as of April 1, 2025, with the full NFL schedule typically released in mid-May.

Audacy Unveils Podcast Creator Lab

Audacy announces the launch of the Audacy Creator Lab, an initiative designed to support podcast creators and deliver advertising opportunities at scale. The announcement was made at Podcast Movement Evolutions in Chicago.

Developed on the foundation of Podcorn, acquired by Audacy in 2021, the Audacy Creator Lab expands upon Audacy’s creator marketplace of over 20,000 shows and 40,000 creators, enabling advertisers to reach highly engaged, precisely targeted audiences at scale across multiple hosting platforms.

The Audacy Creator Lab is also designed to support creators of all sizes – from small independents to emerging shows – by providing monetization opportunities through host-read sponsorships and dynamically inserted pre-recorded ads.

Underscoring Audacy’s commitment to helping podcast creators grow their business, the Audacy Creator Lab will also offer free hosting and monetization services for emerging podcasters, connecting them to more advertisers so that more of their resources can go towards fueling their passions and making great content.

“When paired with The Audacy Podcast Network and our owned and operated shows, the Audacy Creator Lab expands our podcast offerings to now include deeply engaged, niche communities and the next generation of creators,” said Chris Oliviero, Chief Business Officer, Audacy. “As additional advertising capabilities are introduced on the platform, it will open even more opportunities for both advertisers and creators.”

Podcasters can apply for access and explore opportunities at creators.audacy.com.

Las Vegas Radio: Beasley Launches 105.7 Maxima, Para Nosotros

Beasley Media Group is pleased to announce the official launch of KOAS-FM/ 105.7 Maxima, Para Nosotros – “It’s for Us,” a fresh, bilingual radio station tailored to the unique and diverse community of Las Vegas.

105.7 Maxima offers a distinctive format that blends English and Spanish language pop hits from the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s into one dynamic listening experience. The station features Spanish-language announcers and imaging, along with bilingual advertising that speaks authentically to a multicultural audience.

While the on-air presentation is in Spanish, the station’s music will be largely in English, spotlighting iconic artists such as Whitney Houston, Marco Antonio Solis, Madonna, Lionel Richie, Selena, Michael Jackson, Shakira, Alejandro Fernandez, and Celine Dion.

“This is an exciting new format for Beasley that was custom designed for the unique bilingual audience in Las Vegas,” said Chief Content Officer Justin Chase. “With the positioning statement as “Para Nosotros” (translation “For Us”), we are proud to be a new part of the Hispanic community in Las Vegas!

“Las Vegas is one of the most culturally rich and dynamic markets in the country,” said Ronnie Glover, Vice President and Cluster Manager of Beasley Media Group Las Vegas.

“105.7 Maxima is designed to reflect the heartbeat of this community by delivering a music experience that resonates deeply with bilingual and bicultural audiences.”

“This really speaks to the expanding audience in Las Vegas,” added Cat Thomas, Operations Manager of Beasley Las Vegas. “Maxima 105.7 is a reflection of our growing culture and provides a unique entertainment option for our community.”

🎧Listeners can tune in now or stream live online at www.1057maxima.com.

Houston Radio: KILT-FM's Frito & Katy Are Farming the Future

Audacy’s 100.3 The Bull (KILT-FM) recently wrapped up their “Frito & Katy’s Farming the Future” contest in partnership with Shoppa’s John Deere. This initiative awarded a total of $4,500 to three local 4H and FFA chapters to support their agriculture projects and provide them with new equipment from Shoppa’s John Deere. 

The winners were awarded at Shoppa’s John Deere booth at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 19th and announced on-air during “Frito and Katy” on March 20. To enter, the chapters submitted short videos highlighting their project, goals and significance of agriculture in their daily lives. 

In addition to the scholarship, 100.3 The Bull was out daily advocating for youth agriculture programs and distributing AG-vocate buttons to fellow supporters of agriculture. 

“Frito & Katy’s Farming the Future” contest is a part of Audacy’s commitment to making a meaningful difference at scale. Audacy uses its reach and personal connection with listeners to advance causes that promote mental health and build sound communities.

R.I.P.: Val Kilmer, Versatile Actor

Val Kilmer (1960-2025)

 Val Kilmer, a versatile movie star who showcased his range by portraying a brash naval aviator and donning the iconic Batman cape, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 65, as confirmed by his daughter Mercedes Kilmer in statements to the New York Times and the Associated Press.

Mercedes Kilmer revealed to the press that her father succumbed to pneumonia. Having battled throat cancer diagnosed in 2014, Kilmer underwent a tracheotomy that significantly changed his voice, yet he managed to recover.

In recent times, Kilmer had mostly withdrawn from acting but made a notable comeback in “Top Gun: Maverick,” the long-awaited follow-up to the film that catapulted him and his co-stars to fame. Released in 2022 after a two-year postponement, the sequel skillfully wove Kilmer’s real-life health struggles into the narrative. His character, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky—the confident, composed foil to Tom Cruise’s Pete “Maverick” Mitchell—meets a poignant end due to illness in the movie.

This role, among Kilmer’s final on-screen appearances, marked a fitting close to a remarkable and lucrative Hollywood career.

Radio History: April 2

➦In 1872…Samuel Finley Breese Morse died at age 80. (Born April 27, 1791).  Morse was an American painter and inventor. After having established his reputation as a portrait painter, in his middle age Morse contributed to the invention of a single-wire telegraph system based on European telegraphs. 

He was a co-developer of the Morse code and helped to develop the commercial use of telegraphy.

Gertrude Warner

➦In 1917...Gertrude "Trudy" Warner born (Died from cancer at age 69 – January 26, 1986). She was a voice talent who played multiple characters on radio productions during the Golden Age of Radio.

Warner's first starring role on radio came when she was 23, playing Rebecca Lane in Beyond These Valleys on CBS.  Her successful radio career continued for 28 years and well over 4,000 performances. She was considered one of the queens of daytime radio, appearing in dozens of daytime serials. Among her accomplishments was being the female lead on the dramatic anthology Brownstone Theater on Mutual.

Jack Webb

➦In 1920...John Randolph Webb born in Santa Monia (Died from an apparent heart attack at age 62 – December 23, 1982).  Best known as Jack Webb, he is most famous for his role as Sgt. Joe Friday in the Dragnet franchise (which he created). He was the founder of his own production company, Mark VII Limited.

Following his military discharge after WW2, Webb moved to San Francisco, where a wartime shortage of announcers led to a temporary appointment to his own radio show on KGO Radio. The Jack Webb Show was a half-hour comedy that had a limited run on ABC radio in 1946. Prior to that, he had a one-man program, One Out of Seven, on KGO in which he dramatized a news story from the previous week.

By 1949, he had abandoned comedy for drama, and starred in Pat Novak, for Hire, a radio show originating from KFRC about a man who worked as an unlicensed private detective. The program co-starred Raymond Burr. Pat Novak was notable for writing that imitated the hard-boiled style of such writers as Raymond Chandler, with lines such as: "She drifted into the room like 98 pounds of warm smoke. Her voice was hot and sticky--like a furnace full of marshmallows."

Webb's radio shows included Johnny Madero, Pier 23, Jeff Regan, Investigator, Murder and Mr. Malone, Pete Kelly's Blues, and One Out of Seven. Webb provided all of the voices on One Out of Seven, often vigorously attacking racial prejudice.

With much assistance from Sgt. Marty Wynn and legendary LAPD chief William H. Parker, Dragnet premiered on NBC Radio in 1949 and ran till 1957. It was also picked up as a television series by NBC, which aired episodes each season from 1952 to 1959. Webb played Sgt. Joe Friday and Barton Yarborough co-starred as Sgt. Ben Romero. After Yarborough's death, Ben Alexander joined the cast.

➦In 1931..WABC in New York—then a key station in the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)—began airing The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. While some sources debate the exact premiere (often citing April 2 or April 6), this radio drama, starring William Gillette initially, became a cultural milestone. It was one of the first major detective series on U.S. radio, capitalizing on the medium’s growing popularity for serialized storytelling. By 1931, radio had matured into a dominant entertainment force, with over 50% of U.S. households owning receivers, and this debut exemplifies how broadcasters leveraged familiar literary figures to captivate listeners.

➦In 1947...The Big Story debuted on NBC Radio.  The show was a crime drama which dramatized the true stories of real-life newspaper reporters. The only continuing character was the narrator, Bob Sloane.  Its final radio broadcast aired March 23, 1955.

The radio series was top rated, rivaling Bing Crosby's Philco Radio Time.  Each week the program recognized the reporter who wrote the story on which that episode was based and the newspaper in which the story appeared. The reporter received $500, was interviewed on the air and was acknowledged in the introduction, as in this example:

"Pall Mall, famous big cigarette, presents The Big Story, another in a thrilling series based on true experiences of newspaper reporters. Tonight, to Russ Wilson of the Des Moines Tribune goes the Pall Mall award for The Big Story. Now, the authentic and exciting story of "The Case of the Ambitious Hobo."

The radio series was adapted for television where it debuted on NBC on September 16, 1949. The series continued to air on NBC until June 28, 1957, after which it appeared in syndication until 1958. The half-hour program was hosted by Robert Sloane, Norman Rose, Ben Grauer, and, finally, Burgess Meredith.

➦In 1964...As popular music’s most resounding commercial success, The Beatles have sold more than 2.3+ billion albums, while earning six diamond, 24 multi-platinum, 39 platinum and 45 gold albums in the United States alone. It is a remarkable sales record, by any measure, although their most historic, chart-making moment is easily the first week of April 1964, when the band held the top five positions on the vaunted Billboard charts, writes Kenneth Womack at Penn State University.

As the April 4, 1964, issue of Billboard magazine demonstrates, The Beatles were simply dominating the American music scene. And during that unforgettable week, their music occupied the top five chart positions — the only time in pop-music history that a single act has accomplished such a feat. With “Can’t Buy Me Love” holding down the top slot, “Twist and Shout” was second and “She Loves You,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “Please Please Me” rounded out the top five.

Pew Survey: More Americans Closely Following Trump News

A new Pew Research Center study released Monday, reveals that more Americans are closely following news about national politics and the actions of Donald Trump in the early days of his second term compared to the same point in Joe Biden’s presidency. 

The survey found that 71 percent of U.S. adults are tuning in to events surrounding the Trump administration either "very closely" (31 percent) or "fairly closely" (40 percent). This marks a noticeable increase from the 66 percent who reported following news about the Biden administration closely during its initial months in 2021.

The study highlights a heightened public interest in Trump’s current term, which began in January 2025, as he and his allies move to reshape federal government structures and U.S. foreign policy. Among those following closely, the most cited reasons include concern about the direction of these changes and the relevance of the administration’s actions to their lives. This uptick in engagement—5 percentage points higher than during Biden’s early days—suggests Trump’s return to the White House has rekindled a level of public attention reminiscent of his first term, though it outpaces Biden’s early presidency figures.

Notably, the report also points to a shift in focus: while Trump’s relationship with the media garnered significant attention in 2017 (72 percent of Americans heard "a lot" about it), only 36 percent say the same in 2025. This indicates that audiences are prioritizing news about Trump’s policy moves—such as economic initiatives or government restructuring—over his press conflicts, which have become less prominent in public consciousness compared to eight years ago. 

The survey, conducted among 5,086 adults from late February to early March 2025, underscores a polarized yet engaged electorate, with both Republicans (74 percent) and Democrats (71 percent) showing strong interest, albeit for differing reasons, ranging from support to apprehension.

YouTube Crowned 'New King of All Media'

Analysts from MoffettNathanson, a prominent Wall Street research firm, have indeed dubbed YouTube the "New King of All Media," highlighting its growing dominance in the entertainment landscape as of early 2025. This assessment stems from YouTube's evolution from a platform known for user-generated content to a powerhouse that rivals traditional Hollywood giants, particularly in terms of viewer engagement and time spent watching TV.

In a detailed report released Monday, MoffettNathanson, led by principal analyst Michael Nathanson, emphasized YouTube's significant influence over how audiences consume video content. The firm pointed to data showing that YouTube accounted for a record 11.6% of total TV viewing time in the U.S. in February 2025, according to Nielsen’s Media Distributor Gauge. 

This figure surpassed competitors like Netflix and Disney, marking YouTube as the leader in TV screen time. The platform’s viewership on TVs alone has surged by 53% compared to two years prior, with even steeper growth among older demographics—adults aged 65 and up increased their YouTube TV viewing by 96% year-over-year.

Celebs Can Now Shield Flight Information

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented legislation making it harder to track private airplanes belonging to stars such as Taylor Swift, according to USAToday.

Last May, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 was signed into law by then-President Joe Biden. This legislation includes provisions that allow private aircraft owners, such as Taylor Swift, to request greater privacy regarding their flight information. Specifically, Section 803 of the act addresses data privacy and enables owners to submit electronic requests to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to withhold certain details from public view. This includes registration numbers for non-commercial flights and personal information like names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails.

The law also allows aircraft owners who can demonstrate a security need to apply for a new International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) code. This 24-bit code, part of the automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) system, is used to identify aircraft in real-time air traffic systems. By obtaining a new code, owners can further obscure their jet’s identity from public tracking.

This change comes after years of public scrutiny over celebrity jet usage, with Taylor Swift being a prominent figure in the debate. Social media accounts, like those run by Jack Sweeney, have historically used FAA registry data to track her flights, often highlighting fuel usage and carbon emissions. 

Example: Taylor Swift's Two Private Jets in 2023

Florida Lawmakers Considering Fake News Legislation

For the third consecutive year, Florida lawmakers are advancing legislation aimed at compelling media outlets to remove online content deemed "false" and making it easier for individuals to sue journalists and news organizations for defamation. This effort, reflected in bills like HB 667 and SB 752 during the 2025 legislative session, builds on prior attempts to reshape defamation laws in the state, raising significant concerns among First Amendment advocates about its potential to chill free speech.

The proposed legislation requires media outlets—such as newspapers, TV stations, or online platforms—to permanently delete articles from their websites within a short timeframe (often 10 days) if notified that the content contains false or outdated information. This applies even if only a minor detail is inaccurate, potentially forcing the removal of entire stories. If outlets fail to comply, they lose their "fair report privilege," a legal protection that typically shields them from defamation lawsuits when reporting on official proceedings or public records. The bills also allow lawsuits to be filed up to 20 years after publication, a significant extension of typical statutes of limitations.

Dems Open Investigation Into Brendan Carr's FCC

House Democrats launched an investigation into the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), focusing on actions taken under its current chairman, Brendan Carr, who was appointed by President Donald Trump. 

Led by Representative Frank Pallone, the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the probe targets what Democrats describe as "sham investigations" initiated by Carr into media outlets such as CBS, NBC, and ABC. These outlets are perceived to be disfavored by Trump and his adviser Elon Musk.

The Democrats' inquiry stems from concerns that Carr is using the FCC to target and intimidate news organizations, potentially infringing on First Amendment rights. They argue that Carr’s aggressive oversight—particularly his investigations into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices at companies like Disney, ABC, Comcast, and Verizon, as well as his threats to block media mergers over DEI policies—represents a politicization of the FCC, an agency traditionally intended to operate independently.

FCC is closing the door on the Biden admin's weaponization of communications laws, official says https://t.co/mq9iEa45Nf #FoxNews

— Tom Benson (@Tombenson1) March 31, 2025

This move by Democrats follows a series of high-profile FCC actions under Carr’s leadership, including probes into major broadcasters and public entities like NPR and PBS, which Carr has accused of violating regulations. Critics, including some civil liberties groups, contend that these efforts may chill free speech, while Carr maintains he is applying an even-handed approach to enforce FCC rules.

The investigation reflects broader tensions between Democratic lawmakers and the Trump administration’s regulatory appointees, echoing past Democratic efforts to scrutinize the FCC, such as their 2018 plans to investigate net neutrality rollbacks. As of now, this probe is in its early stages, with Democrats seeking to uncover whether Carr’s actions align with the FCC’s mandate or serve political ends.

Trump Hopeful For TikTok Deal As Deadline Approaches

President Trump announced on March 30, 2025, that a deal for TikTok’s U.S. operations will be finalized "by the weekend," ahead of a Saturday April 5 deadline he extended from January 19 via executive order.

 

Facing a 2024 law mandating ByteDance divest TikTok over security concerns, Trump is optimistic, citing interest from buyers like Susquehanna, General Atlantic, Blackstone, Oracle, and others, with bids ranging $20-50 billion. 

Led by VP Vance, talks aim to keep the app—used by 170 million Americans—alive, though China’s approval and Trump’s tariff threats complicate matters. Despite legal and congressional hurdles, he’s pushing for a resolution by April 5, blending geopolitics and personal stakes after TikTok boosted his 2024 win.

Fans Not Happy With 'Mayhem' Tour Concert Prices

Lady Gaga’s "The Mayhem Ball" tour, announced last week, to promote her album Mayhem, faced major fan backlash after the artist pre-sale revealed high ticket prices. 

Set for arenas like Madison Square Garden (MSG) on August 22-26, the tour promised intimacy but shocked fans with MSG pre-sale tickets starting at $600 for nosebleeds and $1,100 for lower bowl seats, far exceeding European prices.

U.S. prices, driven by Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing, dwarfed her 2022 Chromatica Ball costs, alienating fans despite Mayhem’s #1 debut. Social media erupted over the disparity and perceived elitism, with unsold tickets lingering despite huge demand. 

As the tour looms from July 16 to November 20, the backlash—echoing past pricing gripes—threatens Gaga’s bond with her "Little Monsters," raising questions about potential price adjustments.

Digital News Sites Can't Make Up Loss of Newspapers

Newspapers across the United States are shutting down at an alarming rate of more than two per week, exacerbating an ongoing crisis in local journalism, as detailed in the 2024 State of Local News Report from Northwestern University’s Local News Initiative, released by the Medill School of Journalism on October 23, 2024. 

According to The Wall Street Journal, the report found that 130 newspapers closed in the past year alone, contributing to a total loss of over 3,200 print newspapers since 2005, when the industry peaked with 8,891 papers. This rapid decline has left more than half of the nation’s 3,143 counties—home to 55 million people—with just one or no local news outlet, creating what researchers call "news deserts."

The Local News Initiative, led by Tim Franklin, the John M. Mutz Chair in Local News at Northwestern’s Medill School, highlights how this trend is deepening the erosion of community-centered journalism. 

The closures have been driven by a collapse in advertising revenue, which once sustained the industry. In 2005, the top 500 U.S. news outlets had a combined circulation of over 50 million; today, that figure has plummeted to 10 million, per the Alliance for Audited Media. Employment in newspaper publishing has similarly dwindled, dropping from a robust workforce to fewer than 100,000 nationwide, with newsroom jobs—once a third of the total—particularly hard-hit.

The impact is stark: over 1,500 counties now rely on a single news source, often a weekly paper, while 228 have none at all, up from 204 the previous year. This loss of coverage deprives communities of vital information needed for informed decision-making, weakening local democracy. The report notes that while large chains owned by hedge funds or private equity firms dominate the industry—sometimes recirculating content across multiple papers—digital news sites are growing, with 704 standalone local outlets identified by late 2024. However, these digital efforts haven’t offset the newspaper closures, as their scale and resources often pale in comparison.

The crisis has prompted varied responses. Some newspapers have been sold back to local ownership, which tends to prioritize on-the-ground reporting, but mergers and acquisitions by regional chains are more common, often prioritizing profit over depth. Philanthropy is stepping in—over $500 million was pledged in 2023 by groups like the Knight Foundation—yet it’s a partial fix. Legislative efforts, like New York’s $90 million Newspaper and Broadcast Media Jobs Program, aim to bolster the industry, but federal initiatives have stalled.