Happy Easter Radio!

 

Our Radio Bunnys hope you can enjoy the weekend.  We're taking some time off too and will return Monday with postings.

Radio History: April 20

➦In 1935...'Your Hit Parade' debuted on NBC, as a 60-minute program with 15 songs played in a random format.

Initially, the songs were more important than the singers, so a stable of vocalists went uncredited and were paid only $100 per episode. In 1936-37, it was carried on both NBC and CBS. The first number one song on the first episode was "Soon" by Bing Crosby. The dramatic countdown to the #1 song was adopted several years later, after the show had moved to CBS.

Some years passed before the countdown format was introduced, with the number of songs varying from seven to 15. Vocalists in the 1930s included Buddy Clark, Lanny Ross, Kay Thompson and Bea Wain (1939–44), who was married to the show's announcer, French-born André Baruch. Frank Sinatra joined the show in 1943, and was fired for messing up the No. 1 song, "Don't Fence Me In" by interjecting a mumble to the effect that the song had too many words and missing a cue. One source says his contract was not renewed due to demanding a raise and the show being moved to the West Coast. As he zoomed in popularity he was rehired, returning (1947–49) to co-star with Doris Day.

Hugely popular on CBS through the WWII years, Your Hit Parade returned to NBC in 1947. The show's opening theme, from the musical revue George White's Scandals of 1926, was "This Is Your Lucky Day", with music by Ray Henderson and lyrics by Buddy G. DeSylva, Stephen W. Ballantine and Lew Brown.

Dozens of singers appeared on the radio program, including "Wee" Bonnie Baker, Dorothy Collins, Beryl Davis, Gogo DeLys, Joan Edwards (1941–46), Georgia Gibbs, Dick Haymes, Snooky Lanson, Gisèle MacKenzie, Johnny Mercer, Andy Russell, Dinah Shore, Ginny Simms, Lawrence Tibbett, Martha Tilton, Eileen Wilson, Barry Wood, and occasional guest vocalists. The show featured two tobacco auctioneers, Lee Aubrey "Speed" Riggs of Goldsboro, North Carolina and F.E. Boone of Lexington, Kentucky. The radio series continued until January 16, 1953.

The success of the show spawned a spin-off series, Your All-Time Hit Parade, sponsored by Lucky Strike and devoted to all-time favorites and standards mixed with some current hits.

➦In 1952...the "Big Show" finished a two year run on the NBC Radio Network.

The Big Show was radio 90-minute variety program featuring top-name comics, stage, screen and music talent, and was aimed at keeping American radio in its classic era alive and well against the rapidly growing television tide. For a good portion of its two-year run (November 5, 1950-April 20, 1952), it was hosted by legendary stage actress and personality Tallulah Bankhead,

The Big Show began November 5, 1950 on NBC with a stellar line-up of guests: Fred Allen, Mindy Carson, Jimmy Durante, José Ferrer, Portland Hoffa, Frankie Laine, Russell Knight, Paul Lukas, Ethel Merman, Danny Thomas and Meredith Willson.

The show's success was credited to Bankhead's notorious wit and ad-libbing ability in addition to the show's superior scripting. She had one of the funniest writers in the business on her staff: Goodman Ace, the mastermind of radio's legendary Easy Aces. She included renowned ad-libbers in the show—particularly Fred Allen (he and his longtime sidekick and wife, Portland Hoffa, appeared so often they could have been the show's regular co-hosts) and Groucho Marx, both of whom appeared on the first season's finale and appeared jointly on three other installments.

As Bankhead recorded in her memoirs, she took the show because she needed the money but nearly changed her mind when she feared she'd be little more than a glorified mistress of ceremonies with nothing to do but introduce the feature performers. "Guess what happened?" she continued. "Your heroine emerged from the fracas as the Queen of the Kilocycles. Authorities cried out that Tallulah had redeemed radio. In shepherding my charges through The Big Show, said the critics, I had snatched radio out of the grave. The autopsy was delayed."

➦In 1961…The U.S. Federal Communications Commission approved FM stereo broadcasting.

Invented in 1933 by American Edwin Armstrong, wide-band FM is used worldwide to provide high-fidelity sound over broadcast radio. FM broadcasting is capable of better sound quality than AM broadcasting

In the late 1950s, several systems to add stereo to FM radio were considered by the FCC. Included were systems from 14 proponents including Crosby, Halstead, Electrical and Musical Industries, Ltd (EMI), Zenith, and General Electric. The individual systems were evaluated for their strengths and weaknesses during field tests in Uniontown, Pennsylvania using KDKA-FM in Pittsburgh as the originating station.

The Crosby system was rejected by the FCC because it was incompatible with existing subsidiary communications authorization (SCA) services which used various subcarrier frequencies including 41 and 67 kHz. Many revenue-starved FM stations used SCAs for "storecasting" and other non-broadcast purposes. The Halstead system was rejected due to lack of high frequency stereo separation and reduction in the main channel signal-to-noise ratio.

The GE and Zenith systems, so similar that they were considered theoretically identical, were formally approved by the FCC in April 1961 as the standard stereo FM broadcasting method in the United States and later adopted by most other countries.

➦In 1972...Bertram Lebhar Jr., a retired radio and television station operator, who formerly broadcast sports in NYC under the name of Bert Lee and who was long a leading tournament bridge player, died at age 65.

Radio History: April 19

➦In 1924…A year before the "Grand Ole Opry" hit the airwaves from WSM Radio in Nashville, "The Chicago Barn Dance" aired on WLS Radio in Chicago. The country music show was later renamed "National Barn Dance" and continued on the air – on WLS, simulcast on the ABC Radio Network, simulcast on the NBC Radio Network, back to WLS only, then Chicago's WGN Radio – until 1968.

According to Edgar Bill, the first WLS station manager: "We had so much highbrow music the first week that we thought it would be a good idea to get on some of the old time music.  After we had been going about an hour, we received about 25 telegrams of enthusiastic approval.  It was this response that pushed the Barn Dance!"  Indeed, Sears-Roebuck management was aghast by this "disgraceful low-brow music" that was being broadcast on their new station.  When Bill and Agricultural Director Samuel Guard were confronted by the angry executives, they pointed to the audiences overwhelming approval.

The Barn Dance served two distinct audiences.  It targeted the rural farm audiences as well as city listeners that had come from rural communities or those whom had been told about the "good old times."

In November 1925, WLS claimed to be the first to build an audience studio when it moved to larger quarters on the 6th floor of the Sherman Hotel in downtown Chicago.  The theatre was designed to hold 100 people as well as technical and control room facilities. (WLS History)

National Barn Dance continued for more than two decades on WLS.  WLW Cincinnati became the flagship from 1950-60, and Chicago’s WGN took over as host station from 1960-68.

➦In 1934..The Communications Act of 1934, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This landmark legislation established the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), consolidating oversight of radio, telegraph, and telephone communications. The act replaced the Federal Radio Commission and set enduring regulations for licensing and managing radio stations, shaping the growth of commercial broadcasting in the U.S. It addressed the chaotic expansion of radio in the 1920s, ensuring orderly use of the spectrum and fostering innovation, including the eventual rise of FM radio.

➦In 1943...'Theater of Romance' anthology debuted on the CBS Radio Network as a filler show between 1943 and 1957. It substituted from time to time for such shows as Gunsmoke, Life with Luigi, Lux Radio Theater, and many others. Producers, directors, and actors changed constantly through the years. Even the locale changed from New York to Los Angeles in 1945.

Romance featured such stars as Henry Fonda, Humphrey Bogart, Gregory Peck, Shirley Temple, and many other Hollywood stars, often binding the story lines with the films in which the stars were currently being featured. The themed stories often revolved around historical fiction as well, and broadcast before a live audience.

➦In 1965..WINS 1010 AM in New York City flipped from Top40 to become the first All-News radio station.  Two months earlier, personality Murray The K departed WINS...

Maher Memo Details Impact of Potential NPR Budget Cuts

Katherine Maher, NPR’s president and CEO since March 2024, has publicly addressed the Trump administration’s proposal to eliminate federal funding for public media, including NPR and PBS, as outlined in a White House memo to Congress. 

The proposal, reported on April 16, 2025, aims to cut nearly all federal funding, including $9.3 billion already appropriated, accusing NPR and PBS of spreading “radical, woke propaganda disguised as news.” 

Key Impacts of Lost Federal Funding:

Impact on Member Stations: Maher emphasized that the most significant effect would be on NPR’s 246 member stations, which serve 99.7% of the U.S. population. These stations receive about $100 million of the $121–122 million in annual federal funding for public radio, primarily through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Rural and underserved areas, where infrastructure costs are high, would be hit hardest. Smaller stations, often 20–50% reliant on CPB grants, could face closure, leaving one-fifth of Americans without local news access, especially in “news deserts” where public media is the only outlet.

Katherin Maher

NPR’s Budget: NPR directly receives about 1% of its $300 million annual budget ($3 million) from federal funds, with an additional $8 million supporting the Public Radio Satellite System (PRSS), which connects 1,300 stations for real-time broadcasts and emergency alerts. While NPR could likely survive without this funding, Maher stressed that the loss would impair its ability to thrive as a national network, reducing the richness of its coverage.

Local News and Public Service: The cuts threaten local newsrooms, particularly in areas where newspapers have already closed. Federal funds support critical infrastructure like broadcast towers and enable reporting on issues like veterans’ affairs, elections, and emergencies. For example, NPR’s reporting led to VA policy changes benefiting veterans. Losing this capacity could diminish public media’s role in fostering informed communities.

Economic Efficiency: Maher argued that public media is a cost-effective public-private partnership, with federal investment averaging $1.60 per person annually. Each federal dollar leverages $7 in private donations, making it a high-impact investment compared to its cost.

The memo is set to be sent to Congress on April 28, 2025, initiating a 45-day window for approval or restoration of funds. Maher’s discussions, notably in interviews with NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly, BPR’s Jose Sandoval, and at the 26th International Symposium on Online Journalism (ISOJ), highlight the potential consequences of these cuts.

Regretfully Yours, Katherine Maher NPR CEO

Katherine Maher, the CEO of National Public Radio (NPR) since March 2024, has faced scrutiny over past statements, particularly social media posts and comments made before her NPR tenure. During a March 26, 2025, congressional hearing before the House Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE), she expressed regret for some of these statements, which were raised by Republican lawmakers questioning NPR’s federal funding and alleged bias. 

Here are statements she has publicly regretted:

• In 2018, Maher tweeted, “Also, Donald Trump is a racist.”
• In 2020, she called Trump a “fascist” and a “deranged racist sociopath.”

Maher

Context: These posts were made while Maher was at the Wikimedia Foundation and Web Summit, not in a journalism role. They resurfaced in 2024 after NPR senior editor Uri Berliner’s essay accused NPR of liberal bias, prompting conservative critics to highlight Maher’s past partisanship.

Regret Expressed: During the March 2025 hearing, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) questioned Maher about the 2020 tweet. She responded, “I regret those tweets. I would not tweet them again today. They represented a time where I was reflecting on something that I believe the president had said, rather than who he is. I don’t presume that anyone is a racist.”

Maher told Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) that her thinking had “evolved over the last half-decade,” distancing herself from these statements. She emphasized that the tweets were personal reflections, not indicative of her current views or NPR’s editorial stance.

Trump Seeks Court Backing To Control WH Press Access

A Justice Department lawyer, Eric McArthur, representing President Donald Trump’s administration, argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit Thursday that Trump has broad authority to control media access to the White House. 

Reuters reports the administration sought to block a lower-court ruling that ordered the White House to restore full access for Associated Press (AP) journalists, claiming the ruling infringes on the president’s discretion to decide who enters sensitive areas. The White House requested a stay on the ruling pending appeal.

The dispute began in February 2025 when the White House restricted AP’s access to Trump after the news agency refused to adopt Trump’s directive to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America,” opting instead to use the historical name while noting the new designation. McArthur told the three-judge panel that Trump could legally limit the press pool to his “20 favorite reporters” without violating the law.

The panel, consisting of Judges Cornelia Pillard (Obama appointee), Gregory Katsas, and Neomi Rao (both Trump appointees), questioned McArthur and AP attorney Charles Tobin on the extent of constitutional protections for news gathering and whether a ruling for AP would require courts to scrutinize the motives of White House officials. Katsas expressed concern about judicial overreach, while Pillard highlighted the long-standing tradition of press pool access, citing coverage of past presidents like Nixon and Clinton.

The case underscores tensions between Trump and the media, with the White House asserting greater control over who can question or report on the president in real time. 

AP lawyers accused the administration of defying an April 8, 2025, ruling by U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden (a Trump appointee), which found the restrictions likely violated free speech protections and ordered the White House to allow AP journalists into events open to similar news organizations, including the Oval Office, Air Force One, and larger White House spaces. 

Despite the ruling, AP text reporters have been excluded from the Oval Office, though photographers regained access to some events. The White House also limited access for other wire services like Reuters and Bloomberg.

The AP’s lawsuit targets three senior Trump aides, alleging the restrictions were retaliatory due to the AP’s refusal to align with the administration’s language preferences, particularly its influential stylebook, which maintains “Gulf of Mexico” as the standard term. McFadden agreed, ruling that the measures were an attempt to coerce media compliance.

The appeals court has yet to issue a decision. 

Listeners Love Radio's Localism

Radio's mastery of local consumer connections is among its unique and most enduring assets that advertisers can leverage to achieve meaningful consumer engagement. Findings from Jacobs Media Strategies' recent Techsurvey 2025 show that listeners of all ages continue to be drawn to radio's local and personal nature.

Radio stations speak to consumers on a local level - and listeners embrace that localism. 88% of listeners believe that radio's local quality is one of its best assets, and more than half (54%) strongly believe so. Radio's local essence is highly valued by all age brackets, especially Gen X.  

Radio's localism may be the basis for an even more personal sense of attachment among listeners. 6 in 10 say a main reason they tune in to radio is the feeling of connection with it that they don't get with other types of audio. This regard is felt across all ages, but is strongest among Gen X listeners. And the feeling is growing! 2025 marks the highest level recorded by the Techsurvey, with an overall increase of +12% since 2020. 

Watchdog Calls Out Network Coverage of 'Maryland Man'

The Media Research Center (MRC), a conservative media watchdog, released a report analyzing broadcast network coverage of two immigration-related stories between April 1 and April 15, 2025. 

The report specifically compares airtime given to the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, referred to as the "Maryland man" wrongly deported to El Salvador, with the trial of Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, an illegal immigrant convicted of murdering Rachel Morin, a Maryland mother of five. 

Key Findings of the MRC Report:

• Coverage of Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s Deportation:The MRC found that ABC, CBS, and NBC collectively devoted 64 minutes and 57 seconds to the story of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran immigrant deported to El Salvador’s CECOT mega-prison in March 2025 due to an “administrative error” by the Trump administration.
• The coverage focused on Garcia’s wrongful deportation, despite a 2019 court order granting him protection from removal to El Salvador. Networks emphasized the Supreme Court’s ruling that the government must “facilitate” his return, the legal battle, and Democratic efforts, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen’s trip to El Salvador, to secure his release.
• The report notes that Garcia was often portrayed sympathetically as a “Maryland man” with a U.S. citizen wife and child, with less attention to allegations of his MS-13 gang ties, which the Trump administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have claimed but not substantiated in court.

Coverage of Rachel Morin’s Killer’s Trial:

• In contrast, the MRC reported that the same networks—ABC, CBS, and NBC—provided zero seconds of airtime to the trial of Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador convicted of raping and murdering Rachel Morin in August 2023.
• Morin’s case, which involved a brutal attack on a Maryland trail, received significant attention from conservative outlets and was cited by Trump supporters as evidence of the dangers posed by illegal immigration. The lack of network coverage was particularly criticized by Morin’s mother, Patty Morin, who noted the networks’ silence while Sen. Van Hollen used taxpayer funds to advocate for Garcia.

The MRC, known for its conservative leanings, argues that the stark contrast in coverage reflects a liberal bias in broadcast media.

Netflix Reports YoY Revenue Jumped 12.5% During Q1

Netflix surpassed expectations for key metrics in Q1, driven by higher-than-expected subscription and ad revenue. 

The company reported $10.5 billion in revenue, a 12.5% year-over-year increase, and net income of $2.9 billion, up 24% and exceeding its $2.44 billion forecast. Operating margin improved to 31.7% from 28.1% a year ago, topping the projected 28.2%.

The streaming giant, featuring hits like Adolescence, Shonda Rhimes’ The Residence, and live WWE Raw broadcasts, anticipates stronger Q2 revenue growth due to recent price hikes, sustained membership growth, and increased ad revenue. Unlike many firms facing tariff-related challenges, Netflix benefits from families retaining in-home entertainment subscriptions during economic cutbacks.

This quarter, Netflix stopped reporting quarterly subscriber numbers and average revenue per member, shifting focus to revenue and profits. Revenue growth was partly fueled by membership increases, with the company ending Q4 with 301.6 million subscribers. Internally, Netflix aims to double revenue to $80 billion by 2030 and grow global ad sales to $9 billion, per The Wall Street Journal.

In January, Netflix raised U.S. plan prices, with the ad-supported tier now at $7.99/month and the premium tier at $24.99/month. Free cash flow rose 25% to $2.7 billion, and the company maintained its revenue and profit growth outlook. Netflix shares have climbed over 58% in the past year, solidifying its dominance with expanded offerings like YouTube star content, live events, and games.

Netflix CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters addressed concerns over the Trump-imposed tariffs and a potential looming recession during the company’s first quarter earnings call, noting that as of right now they’re not seeing signs of any downturn in Netflix’s business.

“We’re paying close attention to the consumer sentiment and where the broader economy is moving, but based on what we are seeing by actually operating the business right now, there’s nothing really significant to note,” Peters said.

Ruling: Google Violated Antitrust Law in Adtech Monopoly Case

A federal judge ruled that Google illegally maintained a monopoly in its adtech business, potentially forcing the company to divest parts of its lucrative adtech division. 

Following a three-week trial, the court found Google violated antitrust laws by monopolizing publisher ad servers and ad exchanges, like its AdX platform, and unlawfully tying its ad server (formerly DoubleClick for Publishers) to AdX. Judge Brinkema stated that Google’s actions harmed competitors, publishers, and consumers. Industry leaders, including Index Exchange CEO Andrew Casale, hailed the decision as a step toward a more competitive internet, while Google plans to appeal, arguing its tools are chosen for their effectiveness.

The ruling, which spares Google’s advertiser-focused tools, could reshape the $303 billion U.S. digital ad market, where Google holds a 25.6% share. 

The court dismissed Google’s security justifications for its practices, with experts testifying that competitors’ adtech is equally effective. 

This marks Google’s second major antitrust defeat in a year, following a case targeting its search dominance. Pending remedies, to be determined by Judge Brinkema, could force Google to divest parts of its adtech stack, with significant implications for the industry. 

Check My Ads’ COO Arielle Garcia called the ruling a victory for advertisers, publishers, and the public.

In response to federal court ruling finding that Google acted illegally to maintain its dominance in online advertising technology, the NAB issued a statement on behalf of NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt:

“Today’s decision affirms what local broadcasters and other publishers have long known: Google has used its dominance in the online advertising marketplace to disadvantage content creators and tilt the playing field. We commend the Department of Justice for taking on this critical case.

“As policymakers and regulators consider the implications of this ruling, we urge them to recognize that the same Big Tech dominance harming digital publishers is also undermining the advertising revenue local broadcasters rely on to serve their communities. We are encouraged that the FCC, under Chairman Carr’s leadership, is taking steps to modernize its rules and look forward to swift action that begins to level the competitive playing field.”

Ditigal Ad Revenue Soared In 2024

In 2024, the U.S. digital advertising industry reached a historic milestone, with internet advertising revenues soaring to a record $258.6 billion, as reported by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), 

This marks a robust 14.9% year-over-year (YoY) increase from 2023’s $225 billion, the largest growth since 2021’s 35.4% surge, driven by major events like the U.S. Presidential Election and the Olympics, which boosted advertiser activity and consumer engagement.

Key Highlights of the 2024 Digital Advertising Industry:

Revenue Breakdown by Channel:

• Digital Video: Grew 19.2% YoY to $62.1 billion, accounting for nearly a quarter of total ad spend. Connected TV (CTV) and over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms were significant drivers, with ad-supported tiers gaining traction.
• Search: Rose 15.9% to $102.9 billion, maintaining the largest market share at approximately 39.8%, though its dominance has slightly declined from prior years.
• Social Media: Surged 36.7% to $88.7 billion, fueled by innovations in social commerce, influencer marketing, and creator-driven content.
• Display: Increased 12.4% to $74.3 billion, though growth was slower compared to video and social.
• Commerce Media (including Retail Media): Grew 23% to $53.7 billion, with advertisers leveraging first-party data for targeted campaigns.
• Digital Audio: Podcast advertising jumped 26.4% to $2.4 billion, reflecting the growing popularity of audio formats.

Outlook for 2025:  The IAB anticipates continued growth, driven by advancements in AI, programmatic advertising, and commerce media. CTV/OTT is expected to remain the fastest-growing channel, with streaming services refining ad-supported models and securing live sports deals.

Challenges include navigating geopolitical and economic volatility, evolving privacy laws, and the ongoing shift away from third-party cookies, requiring innovative targeting solutions.

ESPN To Celebrate Iconic Career of Retiring Lee Corso

ESPN announced that Lee Corso, a legendary college football analyst and staple of College GameDay, will retire after the Week 1 show of the 2025 college football season on August 30. 

Corso, who turns 90 on August 7, has been with the program since its inception in 1987, making him the only remaining original on-air personality. His 38-year tenure includes 430 headgear picks, a beloved segment where he dons a mascot head or helmet to predict the winner of the featured game, starting with Ohio State in 1996. His record stands at 286-144, covering 69 teams.

Corso, known for his catchphrase “Not so fast, my friend!” and comedic rapport with co-hosts like Kirk Herbstreit, expressed gratitude in a statement: “My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years. I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement.” 

He thanked ESPN for their support, especially in recent years, and highlighted his bond with Herbstreit and the fans.

'Diddy' Combs Wants Cassie Hotel Video To Not Be Shown In Court

Sean "Diddy" Combs formally requested that the judge overseeing his criminal prosecution exclude a 2016 surveillance video from his upcoming trial on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.

The video, recorded at the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles, shows Combs physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, Casandra "Cassie" Ventura, by grabbing, shoving, kicking, dragging, and throwing glass vases at her. The footage, first aired by CNN in May 2024, has been cited by prosecutors as key evidence supporting allegations of Combs' violent behavior and sex trafficking.

Combs' defense team, led by attorney Alexandra Shapiro, claims the video is "wholly inaccurate" and inadmissible, alleging that CNN "altered, manipulated, sped-up, and edited" the footage to misrepresent the events.

Motorsport Network, Yahoo Sports Looking To Expand Audience

Motorsport Network, the world’s largest independent motorsports media outlet, and Yahoo Sports have announced a strategic content partnership aimed at expanding their reach within the rapidly growing U.S. motorsports sector.

This collaboration leverages Motorsport Network’s deep expertise in motorsports and Yahoo Sports’ broad audience to create a comprehensive racing hub under the URL yahoosports.com/racing, enhancing coverage of major racing series such as Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar, and MotoGP.

NWS Shortages Could Impact Forecasts

The National Weather Service (NWS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is facing significant challenges due to staff reductions initiated by the Trump administration, leading to what the agency calls “degraded operations.” An internal document, detailed in New York Times article, outlines how severe shortages of meteorologists and other employees could impair weather forecasting and other critical operations.

Key Points:

Staffing Cuts: Over 500 NOAA employees, including nearly 200 from NWS forecasting offices, have left this year, with an additional 300 expected to depart under a resignation offer. This follows a broader push by the Trump administration to reduce federal workforce size, with NOAA facing a potential 20% staff cut (about 2,600 of its 13,000 employees).

Impact on Operations: The NWS anticipates fewer forecast updates fine-tuned by specialists, relying instead on automated computer models (similar to phone weather apps), which may be less accurate without human oversight. The agency may also reduce or suspend weather balloon launches, critical for gathering atmospheric data, and halt testing of new forecasting technologies.

Vacancy Rates: Field offices could face vacancy rates up to 35%, exacerbating existing understaffing. Nearly half of the NWS’s 122 forecast offices have vacancy rates around 20%, double the rate from a decade ago. Critical offices in cities like Houston, Miami, and Omaha are particularly affected, with some missing key leadership roles.

Specific Reductions: 

• The Sacramento NWS office has stopped answering public phone calls, limited social media updates, and reduced forecast frequency due to staffing shortages.
• Weather balloon launches have been suspended or limited at sites in Alaska, Nebraska, South Dakota, and other locations, potentially reducing forecast accuracy by about 15%.
• Spanish-language storm warning translations have been paused due to a lapsed AI contract.

Public Safety Concerns: Meteorologists and scientists warn that these cuts could compromise timely warnings for severe weather events like tornadoes and hurricanes, endangering lives. For example, the Louisville NWS office couldn’t survey tornado damage during a recent outbreak due to staffing constraints, prioritizing immediate warnings instead.

Proposed Budget Cuts: The administration’s budget proposal for the next fiscal year would cut NOAA’s funding by 27%, potentially eliminating most climate research while maintaining flat NWS funding.
Public and Expert Reaction: Meteorologists, climate scientists, and lawmakers, including Rep. Zoe Lofgren and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, have criticized the cuts as reckless, arguing they undermine lifesaving services. Protests under the “Stand Up for Science” banner have occurred in cities like Norman, Oklahoma.

R.I.P.: Nino Tempo, Grammy Winner For 'Deep Purple'

Nino Temp (1935-2025)

Nino Tempo, a skilled tenor saxophonist who, with his sister April Stevens, achieved a No. 1 hit with their Grammy-winning 1963 cover of “Deep Purple,” died on April 10 at his West Hollywood, Calif., home. He was 90. His friend Jim Chaffin confirmed the death.

Tempo’s career spanned big-band jazz, rock, and funk, before returning to jazz in the 1990s. As a child, he sang with Benny Goodman’s orchestra, later played saxophone for Bobby Darin and Frank Sinatra, and released a funk album with Nino Tempo & 5th Ave. Sax in the 1970s. Yet, his 1960s pop duet with Stevens on “Deep Purple” remains iconic.

The jazz standard, composed by Peter DeRose with lyrics by Mitchell Parish, featured a relaxed arrangement by Tempo and a studio band including Glen Campbell on guitar. Recorded in just 14 minutes during a session produced by Atlantic Records’ Ahmet Ertegun, the track’s unique spoken-sung refrain—Stevens reciting lyrics and Tempo echoing in falsetto—emerged accidentally during rehearsal. Despite a rushed session, where Tempo improvised harmonica due to a no-show, the siblings doubted the song’s potential, and Ertegun deemed it “unreleasable.”

Pushing for its release or a contract exit, Tempo and Stevens saw “Deep Purple” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1963, selling over a million copies and winning a Grammy for best rock ’n’ roll recording, outshining hits by Lesley Gore and Sam Cooke. Stevens died in 2023.

Radio History: April 18

➦In 1925...Robert Francis Hastings born (Died from pancreatic cancer at age 89 – June 30, 2014). He  was a radio, film, and television character actor. He also provided voices for animated cartoons. He was best known for his portrayal of annoying suck-up Lt. Elroy Carpenter, on McHale's Navy.

Bob Hastings

Hastings started in radio on "Coast-to-Coast on a Bus" (NBC). Hastings served during World War II in the United States Army Air Corps. After serving in World War II as a navigator on B-29s, he played the role of Archie Andrews in a series based on the Archie comic book series on NBC Radio from 1945-53. Archie Andrews was sponsored by Swift & Company food products.

Hastings moved to television in 1949.  He is best known for portraying the aide to Captain Binghamton (Joe Flynn), the yes-man Lieutenant Elroy Carpenter on ABC's McHale's Navy, humorously called "Carpy" and "Little Leadbottom" by McHale and his men.

After McHale's Navy, Hastings was a regular on the Universal Studios lot, where Universal paid actors during downtime to be on the grounds and talk to tourists. According to an interview, he got along so well with the people that he became one of the few regulars on the tour.

➦In 1939…Gene Autry recorded his signature song "Back in the Saddle Again" for the first time in Los Angeles for Columbia Records.   It was co-written by Autry with Ray Whitley and first released in 1939. The song was associated with Autry throughout his career and was used as the name of Autry's autobiography in 1976. Members of the Western Writers of America chose it as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time. In addition to being used as the theme for Autry's radio program, Gene Autry's Melody Ranch,"Back in the Saddle Again" was also used for The Gene Autry Show on television as well as for personal appearances.

It was included in the Autry movie "Roving Tumbleweeds," then became the theme song for his "Gene Autry's Melody Ranch" radio series which aired on CBS from 1940 to 1956.

This is the original pilot episode that debuted on KNX Radio in Los Angeles as a private preview for the Doublemint Gum.

➦In 1944...Arthur W. Ferguson born (Died  – February 19, 2016).  Better known as Charlie Tuna, he began working at age 16 at his hometown's radio station, KGFW. Then, he went to work at KLEO in Wichita, Kansas for a year with the air name "Billy O'Day". He then worked for KOMA Radio in Oklahoma City in 1966, where he took over the "Charlie Tuna" pseudonym from Chuck Riley, who had used it for one show the week prior to Tuna's arrival. Tuna then moved on to WMEX in Boston for the first 9 months of 1967.

Charlie Tuna

In late 1967, KHJ in Los Angeles offered Tuna the 9 to noon slot, where he debuted on Thanksgiving Day 1967. On February 9, 1971, he had just commenced his morning show at 6:00 a.m. when the San Fernando earthquake occurred.

In early 1972 he did mornings at KCBQ in San Diego (during the original presentation of "The Last Contest") and later that year became one of the original DJs at KROQ AM, a new Top 40 station (formerly Country KBBQ). In 1973 be moved to KKDJ as program director and morning personality. He presided over its 1975 call-letter change to KIIS, and broadcast the first show at KIIS-FM as it began its AM/FM simulcast. He also worked at KTNQ, KHTZ (later KBZT), KRLA, KODJ (later KCBS-FM), KMPC, KIKF, and KLAC.

He worked at KBIG 104.3, where he hosted a long-running morning show Charlie Tuna in the Morning which aired from 5 to 10 am. His last full-time morning show aired on September 17, 2007, when the station flipped to a non-rhythmic-based adult contemporary format, as 104.3 My FM. He returned to radio February 9, 2008 when he became the weekend personality on Los Angeles oldies station K-Earth 101. CBS on August 27, 2015 began down sizing their stations in Los Angeles, at which point Charlie moved on to expand his syndicated radio business.

Tuna served as announcer for Casey Kasem on his 1980s television program America's Top 10, and occasionally filled in for Kasem on his radio programs American Top 20 and American Top 10. He co-hosted Your Good Time Oldies Magazine from 1992 to 1995, and he produced and hosted 52 weekly episodes of Back to the 70s, which were rerun at radio stations across the country until 2008.

Tuna had a year-long run in 2009 of a 5-hour classic hits daily and weekend show, syndicated through United Stations Radio Network in New York. He joined Black Card Radio in Los Angeles in 2010 as host of a 5-hour weekend show Charlie Tuna - The 70's, which is distributed nationally and internationally, and later added a 5-hour daily and weekend show for all radio formats. He moved his radio station voice imaging business to Black Card Radio later that year. In 2011 he introduced the syndicated "Charlie Tuna's Hollywood Minute", 4 to 5 top entertainment stories each day. Tuna reunited with United Stations Radio Network in New York in 2013 to do the ad sales for his Black Card Radio shows.

Tuna broadcast approximately 6,000 radio shows from 1971 through 1996 on the American Forces Radio Network.

➦In 1960...The 3M Company purchased the bankrupt Mutual Broadcasting System for $1.24M. MBS had 443 affiliates, easily the most of any network at the time.  In July 1966, 3M sold the network to a privately held company, Mutual Industries, Inc., headed by John P. Fraim.  Upon Mutual Industries's acquisition of Mutual, it was renamed to "Mutual Broadcasting Corporation". See below...

➦In 1999...Last broadcast of the Mutual Broadcasting System.

And The 2025 ACM Radio Winners Are...

The Academy of Country Music revealed its 2025 ACM Radio Award winners on April 17, 2025, in advance of the 60th ACM Awards on May 8, 2025, at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

National Winners: 

• Daily On-Air Personality: Big D & Bubba of Compass Media Network’s "The Big D and Bubba Show" secured their fourth win.
• Weekly On-Air Personality: Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase of Premiere Networks’ "Crook & Chase Countdown" earned their first ACM Radio Award.

Market Personality Winners:

• Major Market: WYCD Detroit’s Rob Holleman, Rachael Hunter, and Steve Grunwald celebrated their first win.
• Large Market: WUBE Cincinnati’s ‘Big Dave’ Chandler (fourth win) and recently departed Jason ‘Stattman’ Statt (third win) took the honor.
• Medium Market: WIVK Knoxville’s Joey Tack and Nancy Barger won their first award.
• Small Market: WYCT Pensacola’s Brent Lane (third win) and Mel McCrae (first win) were recognized.

Radio Station Winners (all repeat recipients):

• Major Market: KYGO Denver (Bonneville) won for the second time.
• Large Market: WQDR Raleigh (Curtis Media) claimed its fourth win.
• Medium Market: WIVK Knoxville (Cumulus) secured its ninth victory.
• Small Market: WXBQ Bristol, VA (Bristol Broadcasting) earned its second win.

These awards highlight the impact of radio in promoting country music. Winners will be celebrated during ACM Awards week, with the main ceremony, hosted by Reba McEntire, streaming live on Prime Video. For more details, visit ACMcountry.com or follow ACM’s social media.

D/FW Radio: Audacy Names Bob Mackay As SVP/MM

Audacy has named Bob Mackay Senior Vice President and Market Manager of its Dallas market. 

In this role, Mackay will oversee the market’s portfolio of brands, including Newsradio 1080 KRLD (KRLD-AM), 98.7 The Spot (KSPF-FM), 100.3 Jack FM (KJKK-FM), ALT 103.7 (KVIL-FM), 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM), La Grande 107.5 (KMVK-FM), Puro Tejano Fierro HD2 (KMVK-HD2), CHANNEL Q (KVIL-HD3) and the Texas State Networks (KRLD-AM). 

Mackay will continue to serve as Vice President of Sales of Audacy Dallas. He succeeds Brian Purdy, who will continue as Regional President with oversight of 16 markets.

Bob Mackay Sr.

“Bob is the ideal leader to pioneer Audacy Dallas into its next chapter—his passion, vision and deep understanding of our business make him an incredible asset to our team, our audience and our advertisers,” said Purdy. “It’s been an incredible joy serving our Dallas team, community and customers over the past 20-plus years, and I’m excited to see all that’s ahead under Bob’s leadership.”

“I am grateful for Brian Purdy's mentorship over the past year, which has prepared me for this new role with Audacy Dallas-Fort Worth,” said Mackay. “I am thrilled to be working alongside the great team that has been assembled here over many years. It’s an honor to be tapped for this leadership position and to build on the great culture Brian has created.”

Mackay has served as Vice President of Sales for Audacy Dallas since January 2024. He previously served as Market Manager of Audacy Austin from 2020 to 2024. Prior to joining the Company, Mackay was President of Marsades Media, specializing in audio and digital marketing solutions. His notable career in the radio industry includes roles such as Director of Sales at Radio One Houston, General Sales Manager at Cox Radio, Vice President and Director of Sales at Emmis Communications, and positions at Clear Channel. Mackay serves as a board member for the Salvation Army in Austin. 

Joe Lindsay Now On-Duty With Collective Heads

Collective Heads is excited to officially welcome long-time collaborator Joe Lindsay to their team. 

A seasoned programming and operations expert, Lindsay has worked behind the scenes with Collective Heads for several years and now steps into a more formal role with the group. 

Lindsay currently serves as Director of Operations and Programming for Local Media San Diego, overseeing iconic stations such as Z90, 91X, and Magic 92.5. He will continue in his San Diego role while also working with Collective Heads. 

Lindsay’s radio journey began in 1995 as an intern at XHRM 92.5, and over the years, he has excelled in numerous roles, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the radio industry from multiple perspectives.

“Joe is an incredible media professional and one of the greatest minds in radio and marketing that I’ve had the good fortune of working with. We are beyond excited to officially welcome him to Collective Heads,” said Tim Richards, Ring Leader at Collective Heads. 

“It’s truly an honor to be part of such a talented team,” said Joe Lindsay. “We’ve had some amazing wins with our clients over the past few years, and I’m excited to continue building on that momentum. The work has been both meaningful and rewarding for everyone involved.” 

For inquiries, Joe Lindsay can be reached at joe@collectiveheads.io. Visit collectiveheads.io to learn more. 

Analysts Offer Gloomy Forecasts For Media Companies

Wall Street analysts have expressed a pessimistic outlook for the first quarter of 2025 for U.S. media companies, citing economic uncertainty driven by President Donald Trump’s unpredictable tariff policies. These policies have eroded consumer confidence and amplified recession fears, posing significant challenges for an industry reliant on discretionary spending. 

Key impacts include:

Advertising Revenue Decline: A potential recession could lead to a $45 billion loss in advertising spending in 2025, according to MoffettNathanson analysts. Traditional TV advertising is particularly vulnerable, with budgets likely shifting to streaming services or digital platforms. Brand advertising platforms are expected to be hit harder than direct response platforms, as noted by John Belton, portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds, which holds shares in companies like Paramount Global, Warner Bros Discovery, Fox, and Comcast’s NBCUniversal.

Theme Park Revenue Risks: Disney’s Experiences unit, encompassing theme parks, cruise ships, and consumer products, accounted for over 60% of its operating income in the latest quarter. A recession could reduce domestic and international theme park revenue by $3 billion in 2025, per MoffettNathanson. However, Comcast’s NBCUniversal may see some resilience due to the opening of its $7 billion Epic Universe expansion at Universal Orlando Resort on May 22, 2025, which could attract visitors despite economic headwinds, according to Bank of America.

Movie Ticket Sales Drop: North American movie ticket sales have already declined nearly 12% year-over-year, as reported by Comscore. Michael O’Leary, president and CEO of Cinema United, emphasized that the industry depends on discretionary income, which is curtailed during economic uncertainty.

Streaming Service Challenges: An economic slowdown may prompt subscribers to downgrade to cheaper plans or cancel subscriptions. Netflix, with over 300 million global subscribers, is expected to report an 8% increase in profit per share and 12% revenue growth to $10.5 billion for Q1 2025, per LSEG estimates. Analysts like Bank of America’s Jessica Reif Ehrlich suggest Netflix’s strong market position and content library will likely prevent significant subscriber churn, though some may opt for its ad-supported tier, which has gained traction since its 2022 launch.

Social Media Advertising Impact: Escalating tariffs on Chinese imports could affect platforms like TikTok and Facebook, which rely on ad revenue from Chinese e-commerce firms such as Temu and Shein. Sensor Tower data indicates Temu’s daily ad spending across major U.S. social media platforms dropped 31% in the two weeks prior to April 16, 2025, compared to the previous 30 days, while Shein’s spending fell 19%.

Reuters reports the broader economic context fueling these concerns includes Trump’s tariff announcements, such as a 10% baseline tariff on all U.S. imports and higher levies on specific countries, which have triggered market volatility. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq have seen significant declines, with the S&P 500 down 4.6% for the year and the Nasdaq down 10.4%, marking their worst starts since 2022 and 2020, respectively. JPMorgan has raised its recession probability to 60%, while Goldman Sachs estimates a 45% chance, citing tariffs as a drag on growth and a driver of inflation. Consumer confidence has plummeted to its lowest level in over four years, further threatening media companies dependent on consumer spending.

FCC's Carr Claims MSNBC Is Misleading the Public

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr used the social media platform X to criticize Comcast, the parent company of NBC News and MSNBC. 

In a post on X, Carr accused Comcast’s outlets, specifically referencing MSNBC, of misleading the public about a news story involving an individual named Abrego Garcia. Carr claimed that Comcast’s networks portrayed Garcia as a "law-abiding U.S. citizen" and a "Maryland man," while failing to correct or clarify the narrative when contradictory information emerged. He suggested that Comcast’s actions violated federal law, hinting at potential regulatory consequences for their "licensed operations."

Comcast outlets spent days misleading the American public—implying that Abrego Garcia was merely a law abiding U.S. citizen, just a regular “Maryland man.”

When the truth comes out, they ignore it.

Comcast knows that federal law requires its licensed operations to serve the… https://t.co/0sGZHQvp5r

— Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) April 16, 2025

The move aligns with Carr’s broader agenda at the FCC, where he has taken an activist stance against media companies. Since assuming the chairmanship in January 2025, Carr has launched investigations into several media conglomerates, including Comcast, over their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, which he labels as "invidious forms of DEI discrimination." He has also revived complaints against networks like CBS, NBC, and ABC, often echoing Trump’s grievances about perceived media bias. For instance, Carr previously opened a probe into Comcast’s DEI practices and has threatened to block mergers involving companies with pro-diversity initiatives.

Carr’s criticisms of Comcast have drawn attention due to their alignment with Trump’s public attacks on the media. Trump has repeatedly called for punitive actions against Comcast, including forcing the company to pay "vast sums" for what he deems unfair coverage. Carr, however, has avoided directly addressing Trump’s specific demands when questioned, instead framing his actions as enforcing existing FCC regulations and civil rights laws.

The response from Comcast has been measured. In prior instances, such as the DEI probe, Comcast stated it would cooperate with the FCC and emphasized its commitment to integrity and respect for employees and customers.

Carr’s focus on Comcast has also raised concerns among free press advocates and Democrats, who argue that his actions threaten First Amendment protections. House Democrats have launched a probe into Carr’s investigations, calling them “sham” efforts to intimidate media outlets.

CNN, MSNBC Skip WH Briefing with Mom of Murdered Victim

Patty Morgin At TWH (NYPost Graphic)

Rachel Morin’s mother, Patty Morin, publicly criticized Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen for traveling to El Salvador to advocate for the release of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old Salvadoran national deported by the Trump administration in March 2025. 

Abrego Garcia, accused by U.S. authorities of being an MS-13 gang member, was sent to El Salvador’s high-security CECOT prison. Van Hollen’s trip, which took place on April 16, 2025, aimed to press for Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S., citing an “administrative error” in his deportation and a lack of evidence tying him to MS-13. The Supreme Court had ordered the Trump administration to “facilitate” his return, though the administration resisted, claiming limited authority.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia is led by force by guards
at the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador

Patty Morin expressed outrage on Fox News’ Hannity on April 15, 2025, highlighting Van Hollen’s lack of engagement with her family after her daughter Rachel, a Maryland mother of five, was raped and murdered in August 2023 by Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, an undocumented Salvadoran convicted on April 14, 2025. 

Here's a question for @ChrisVanHollen from Patty Morin:

"Why are we not protecting the American citizens, it’s just common sense. Why are we not protecting our children?"

"To have a senator from Maryland who didn’t even acknowledge, or barely acknowledged, my daughter and the… pic.twitter.com/OZzcqK67A7

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) April 16, 2025

Video from Fox News:   Patty noted that Van Hollen offered no condolences, made no calls, and took no action to support the search for Rachel’s killer, contrasting this with his efforts for Abrego Garcia. She called his priorities “sick” and “disgusting,” a sentiment echoed by X users and Trump officials like Border Czar Tom Homan and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who accused Van Hollen of prioritizing an alleged gang member over Maryland victims of illegal immigrant crime.

Van Hollen’s trip was unsuccessful; El Salvador’s Vice President Félix Ulloa denied his request to meet or speak with Abrego Garcia, citing procedural issues. Critics, including the White House and Republican figures, framed the trip as a misuse of taxpayer resources, while Van Hollen and some Democrats, like Reps. Maxwell Frost and Yassamin Ansari, argued it was about due process and correcting an unjust deportation. The case has fueled broader debates over immigration policy, with Patty Morin’s grief amplifying calls for accountability from Maryland’s Democratic leadership.

Detroit Radio: WCSX New Flagship For Wolverines

Beasley Media Group Detroit, in partnership with University of Michigan Athletics and Learfield’s Michigan Sports Properties, is proud to announce a multi-year broadcast agreement that will make 94.7 WCSX-FM the new flagship radio home for the Michigan Wolverines. The partnership will officially kick off with the 2025 Michigan Football season.

As part of the agreement, WCSX-FM will broadcast all Football, Men’s Basketball, and Men’s Hockey games, along with coaches’ shows and exclusive ancillary programming.

In addition, 105.1 The Bounce (WMGC-FM) will carry select Women’s Basketball regular-season games as well as postseason matchups, ensuring that fans don’t miss a moment of the action from some of the university’s most dynamic teams.

The multi-platform agreement includes not only game coverage but also a robust digital and promotional presence across Beasley Media Detroit’s omni-channel platforms (On-Air, On-Line, and On-Site). Fans can look forward to weekly Athletics features, exclusive interviews, and digital content that goes beyond traditional play-by-play—bringing the U of M spirit to listeners every day of the week.

“When it comes to college athletics, no brand is bigger and no fan base is more passionate than the University of Michigan,” said Kevin Rich, Vice President of Operations, Beasley Media Group. “We’re thrilled to partner with the University and Michigan Sports Properties to bring top-tier programming and play-by-play coverage to fans across Southeast Michigan. Go Blue!”

“Michigan Athletics has a long and storied tradition, just like WCSX, a heritage station with deep roots across Southeastern Michigan,” said Patti Taylor, Vice President and Market Manager of Beasley Media Group Detroit. “We’re proud to unite these two legacies and continue delivering Michigan Athletics to passionate fans across the region on our platforms.”

Gen Z Subs To More Apps, Streaming Services

A study by Bango, a U.K.-based tech company, found that Gen Z Americans (born 1997–2012) subscribe to 26% more apps and streaming services than the average American, highlighting their significant engagement with digital media.

Here are the key details:

Subscription Volume and Cost: Gen Z averages 6.8 monthly subscriptions, compared to 5.4 for the broader U.S. population. These subscriptions cost Gen Z approximately $940 annually, reflecting their willingness to invest in digital services.

Preferred Services: Music subscriptions are the most popular among Gen Z, with 59% subscribing to at least one service (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music), outpacing the 43% of older Americans. Unlike other generations, streaming services like Netflix, Max, and Disney+ are not their top choice, with 56% of Gen Z subscribing compared to 75% of all Americans. Gaming subscriptions (e.g., Xbox Game Pass, PS Plus) are also notably popular, with 46% of Gen Z subscribing versus 22% overall, and they spend nearly twice as much on social app subscriptions.

Bundling Preference: Gen Z prioritizes convenience and cost savings, with 25% citing faster subscription access through bundles (e.g., via smartphone plans) and 36% noting better prices. Nearly three of their subscriptions (2.7) are paid indirectly through third-party bundles, and 32% are likely to cancel direct subscriptions for better bundle deals, compared to 20% of the general population. A significant 62% of Americans, including Gen Z, prefer bundled services, and 41% want a single management system for subscriptions.

The study, conducted between January and March 2025 with 5,000 U.S. consumers, underscores Gen Z’s role as the most subscribed generation, driving a trend termed “Multi-Subscription Normalization.” Their preferences for music, gaming, and social apps over traditional streaming reflect shifting entertainment priorities. Posts on X echo this, noting Gen Z’s high subscription rates and annual spending.

This trend aligns with broader media consumption patterns, as Gen Z’s high subscription rate contrasts with the declining share of time spent on ad-supported media, as noted in PQ Media’s 2025 forecast. Their engagement with diverse digital platforms underscores their influence on the evolving media landscape.