➦In 1888...Irving Berlin born as Israel Beilin (Died at age 101 from a heart attack - September 22, 1989) was an American composer and lyricist, widely considered one of the greatest songwriters in American history. His music forms a great part of the Great American Songbook. Born in Imperial Russia, Berlin arrived in the United States at the age of five.
Whether for Broadway musicals or films, for humorous songs or romantic ballads, his compositions are celebrated for their appealing melodies and memorable lyrics. His many popular songs include “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “God Bless America,” and “White Christmas.” In 1968 Berlin received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
➦In 1912...Foster Brooks born (Died at age 89 – December 20, 2001). He was best known as a comedian for his portrayal of a lovable drunk in nightclub performances and television programs.
Foster Brooks
His career started in radio, notably with Marshall Krieger at station WHAS-AM in Louisville. He was a staff announcer, and his deep baritone voice was also well-suited for singing. Brooks gained fame for his reporting of the Ohio River flood of 1937, where he was featured on emergency broadcasts by WHAS and also WSM-AM from Nashville, Tennessee. In 1952, Brooks appeared on local TV in a short-lived spoof of Gene Autry and his "Singing Cowboys".
He later worked in local broadcasting as a radio and TV personality in Buffalo and Rochester, New York, before moving to the West Coast to launch a career as a stand-up comic and character actor. In Buffalo, Brooks performed with a country and western vocal group known as the Hi-Hatters.
In 1960, Brooks moved with his family to Los Angeles to seek more professional opportunities
He then began his drunk act, which went over well with crowds at Las Vegas nightclubs and on television. Brooks was a frequent guest on talk and variety shows and numerous Dean Martin celebrity roasts. Despite his on-screen personna he actually quit drinking in the early 1960s, on a bet, and remained a teetotaler for the rest of his life. He died Dec. 20 2001 at age 89.
➦In 1922...KGU Radio signed-on in Honolulu. In April 1935 it was used as a homing beacon by Captain Ed Musick and Fred Noonan during their survey flights of the Pacific in a Pan American World Airways Sikorsky S-42.
Disney’s ESPN sports media division is set to announce the name and pricing details for its all-access DTC streaming application at a media event next week.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the service, previously codenamed “Flagship,” CNBC is reporting the new service will be named simply “ESPN” to streamline branding and avoid confusion in a crowded streaming landscape filled with varied product names and prices.
The decision reflects ESPN’s aim to maintain uniformity, especially since pay-TV subscribers with existing ESPN access can authenticate into the new app for additional digital features unavailable through traditional cable. The reimagined ESPN mobile app will serve as the primary gateway for this service across smart TVs and devices.
The service, slated to launch in fall 2025 before the college football and NFL seasons, will include all ESPN linear TV programming, ESPN+ content, and new features like integrated betting, fantasy sports, e-commerce, and AI-driven personalized content, such as a tailored version of SportsCenter. Pricing is expected to be announced at the event, with prior reports suggesting a range of $25 to $30 per month.
ESPN+ will continue to exist as a separate, lighter offering alongside the new service. Disney CEO Bob Iger emphasized during a recent earnings call that the app aims to make ESPN the “preeminent digital sports brand,” targeting both casual and dedicated fans, with integration into Disney+ for bundled subscribers to enhance accessibility.
A class action lawsuit has been filed against iHeartMedia following a December cyberattack on its radio stations, which compromised listener data. Filed on Wednesday in New York’s Southern District Court by Tennessee resident Cheryl Shields, the lawsuit—reported by Bloomberg Law and obtained by Radio World—represents Shields and others affected, alleging iHeart’s negligence in securing sensitive data like Social Security numbers, financial account details, payment card numbers, and health insurance information.
The breach, occurring between Dec. 24–27, 2024, involved an “unauthorized actor” accessing files on systems at a “small number” of iHeart’s local stations. Shields’ legal team criticized the four-month delay in notifying affected listeners, with notifications sent on April 30, 2025, after iHeart’s investigation, aided by a third-party cybersecurity firm, concluded on April 11. The filing argues this delay left victims unaware their data was compromised, posing lifelong risks.
The lawsuit claims iHeart failed to adequately monitor its networks, which could have detected the breach sooner, and notes the lack of assurance that stolen data has been secured or destroyed. iHeart reported the breach to states including Maine (three affected listeners), New Hampshire (five), Massachusetts, California, Maryland, and Rhode Island, per The Record.
An iHeart spokesperson told Radio World the company acted swiftly to block unauthorized activity, engaged law enforcement, and enhanced security measures, apologizing for any inconvenience. They offered affected listeners two years of free Equifax credit and identity monitoring, advised obtaining credit reports, and set up a dedicated inquiry line.
Sead Fadilpašić, a cybersecurity expert from TechRadar, noted that the notification delay is not uncommon, as companies often wait for investigation results. However, he acknowledged the frustration, as delayed notifications can allow data misuse. While the EU’s GDPR mandates swift breach reporting, U.S. laws vary by state, with all 50 having their own notification requirements. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, per TechRadar.
Charles Gasparino, a senior correspondent for Fox Business Network and columnist for the New York Post, is reporting the FCC, under Chairman Brendan Carr, is likely to approve the $8 billion Paramount-Skydance merger if the combined company eliminates its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.
The story, posted by Gasparino on X and published in the New York Post, aligns with Carr’s broader stance against DEI initiatives, which he has publicly stated could block media and telecom mergers.
Gasparino’s report highlights that the FCC’s review of the Paramount-Skydance deal, which involves transferring CBS broadcast licenses, has been delayed due to regulatory scrutiny, including concerns over DEI policies and a separate “news distortion” complaint tied to CBS’s editing of a Kamala Harris interview on 60 Minutes. He notes that Paramount had already scaled back some DEI initiatives in February 2025 to comply with the Trump administration’s directives, and the FCC’s condition to further dismantle these policies is part of a checklist for merger approval.
Sources cited by Gasparino indicate that this requirement is a significant challenge for media companies, described as a “bitter pill” for those with progressive corporate cultures.
The report also contextualizes the deal’s progress, noting that the SEC and European Commission approved the merger in February 2025, but the FCC’s ongoing review, now extended to July 7, 2025, remains the primary hurdle. Gasparino suggests that Skydance CEO David Ellison and backers like RedBird Capital are navigating this regulatory landscape, with the DEI condition being a critical factor in securing FCC approval.
No specific details from Gasparino’s report indicate whether Paramount-Skydance has formally agreed to ditch DEI policies, but earlier reports confirm Paramount’s willingness to limit DEI efforts to advance the merger. The article underscores the political sensitivities of the deal, given FCC Chairman Carr’s alignment with Trump’s anti-DEI agenda and the involvement of Trump ally Larry Ellison, whose son David leads Skydance
Speculation about who will replace Judge Jeanine Pirro on The Five after her departure on May 8, 2025, to serve as interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., has included several Fox News personalities, but no definitive replacement has been confirmed.
Fox News stated that a rotation of network hosts will temporarily fill Pirro’s seat (on the left) until a permanent co-host is selected. Below is an overview of notable Fox News hosts who have been mentioned in speculation or are prominent figures within the network, based on available information and their potential fit for The Five’s dynamic:
Katie Pavlich: A Fox News contributor, Townhall editor, and frequent guest host on The Five, Pavlich is a strong candidate due to her conservative commentary and familiarity with the show’s format. Her alignment with the network’s right-leaning audience makes her a natural fit to maintain Pirro’s outspoken style.
Kayleigh McEnany: The former Trump White House press secretary and current Fox News host has filled in on The Five multiple times. Her high-profile MAGA credentials and experience as a co-host on Outnumbered position her as a leading contender, especially given Pirro’s Trump-aligned persona.
Kellyanne Conway: A Trump adviser and occasional Fox News contributor, Conway has previously substituted on The Five. Her political experience and media presence make her a viable option, though her current role as a contributor may limit her availability.
Rachel Campos-Duffy: Co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend and a frequent Fox News commentator, Campos-Duffy has been noted for her conservative takes, as seen in discussions on voter sentiment. Her marriage to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, another Fox alum, adds to her network prominence, though she hasn’t been directly linked to The Five speculation.
Joe Concha: A Fox News contributor praised by Trump for his book The Greatest Comeback Ever, Concha has appeared on shows like Fox & Friends First. While not explicitly tied to The Five, his rising profile and Trump’s endorsement make him a potential dark horse, especially if the network seeks a media critic.
Jon Grayson, a veteran talk radio host and co-host of KMBZ-FM’s midday show, has retired, ending a 30-year career spanning markets like Tampa, Nashville, St. Louis, and Kansas City. Grayson, who joined KMBZ in 2019 and co-hosted the 10 a.m.–2 p.m. slot with Jayme Monacelli, aired his final show this week.
In a heartfelt farewell, Grayson shared his lifelong passion for talk radio, recalling his start as a college student caller, breaking into the industry at 19 as a producer and fill-in host. His career included a long run in St. Louis, hosting the nationally syndicated Overnight America and working at KTRS and KMOX before joining KMBZ.
Grayson cited personal reasons for his early retirement, including an upcoming international move and lifestyle changes to ensure his and his wife’s “safety and sanity.” While stepping away, he hinted at a possible return, joking, “You know I could never keep my mouth shut for that long.”
Known for his conversational, community-driven style, Grayson aimed to make his shows feel like barroom discussions, fostering connection among listeners. He expressed gratitude to his audience, colleagues, and Monacelli, praising their “true partnership.”
KMBZ has not yet named a replacement for the midday slot.
FOX News Channel’s coverage of the election of Pope Leo XIV delivered 3.7 million viewers and 667,000 in the 25-54 demo during the 1 PM/ET hour dominating CNN (1.5 million viewers and 326,000 A25-54) and MSNBC (974,000 viewers and 127,000 A25-54) combined. This was the top-rated hour of the day for FOX News Channel, according to data from Nielsen/.
Outnumbered (weekdays, 12 PM/ET) commanded 3 million viewers and 499,000 in the 25-54 demo when the white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel easily defeating CNN (1 million viewers and 177,000 A25-54) and MSNBC (608,000 viewers and 75,000 A25-54).
FNC commanded over 3 million viewers in primetime and 2 million viewers in total day dominating cable news throughout the breaking news and led ABC (2.8 million viewers) in primetime.
Squid Game leads as the most-watched series this season, averaging 27.1 million viewers per episode, according to Forbes citing Nielsen’s 35-day multiplatform data (Sept. 15, 2024–March 16, 2025).
This includes linear broadcast, digital streaming, delayed DVR, and VOD viewership beyond live and same-day playback.
Netflix’s Adolescence, a British psychological crime drama, ranks second with 19.0 million viewers, followed by Amazon Prime Video’s Reacher (18.1 million) and CBS’s Tracker (17.5 million), the top broadcast network show, boosted by Paramount+ streaming.
Among new broadcast series, CBS’s Matlock (starring Kathy Bates) and ABC’s High Potential tie for fifth overall, each averaging 16.1 million viewers. Netflix dominates with 10 of the top 20 series, including Lyle & Erik Menendez Story, Zero Day, and Nobody Wants This.
CBS claims six top-10 spots with Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, Ghosts, Watson, and tied at 18th, Elsbeth and Watson. ABC’s Will Trent (11.6 million) is the only other broadcast series in the top 20, while Paramount+ secures two spots with Landman and Yellowstone prequel 1923.
CBS leads broadcast networks with 9.1 million average viewers, followed by NBC (7.2 million), ABC (6.9 million), and Fox (4.3 million).
Scott Slade, the veteran host of 95.5 WSB in Atlanta, provided an encouraging update on the WSB Website about his recovery from multiple myeloma, nearly a month after his stem cell transplant.
“Day 29 post-transplant, and I’m doing well,” Slade shared. “The transplant has engrafted, and I’m producing new white blood cells and platelets.”
Slade, who announced his diagnosis earlier this year, is progressing under the care of his medical team at Northside Hospital. He remains cautious to avoid infections, a significant risk at this stage.
“I’m taking steps to protect against infections, which could be tough to fight off right now,” he explained. “I’ll also need to redo every vaccination I’ve had since childhood eventually.”
Despite physical challenges, including weight and hair loss, Slade’s resolve to overcome the disease is unwavering.
“My determination to defeat multiple myeloma hasn’t wavered,” he said. “With the incredible support of my Northside care team, family, and friends, I’m confident this will lead to lasting remission, allowing me to return to the things I love.”
Fox News anchor Bret Baier (left) and primetime host Sean Hannity will travel to the Middle East next week, during President Donald Trump’s regional visit.
From May 16, Baier, host of Special Report, will interview Trump in the United Arab Emirates, while Hannity, host of Hannity, will conduct his interview aboard Air Force One at an undisclosed time.
Baier’s show will broadcast from the Middle East nightly, while Hannity’s will air from the region Tuesday through Thursday. Alongside Trump, the hosts will interview other world leaders, with broadcasts originating from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Doha, Qatar; and Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Baier’s 6 p.m. EST slot averaged over 3 million viewers in April, while Hannity’s 9 p.m. EST show drew 2.9 million.
Concurrently, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz in Israel before joining Trump in Saudi Arabia.
The Trump Organization recently announced an 80-story hotel and tower in the UAE, its first in the region, with construction expected to take four years, plus a potential additional year.
During a May 8 "Fox News @ Night" segment discussing former President Joe Biden’s remarks, political commentator Camryn Kinsey collapsed live on air.
While addressing Biden’s suggestion that Kamala Harris’ 2024 election loss stemmed from Republican sexism, Kinsey faltered, saying, “This is about incompetency, it’s not about uh, uh, ideology,” before losing consciousness and falling from her chair.
Host Jonathan Hunt, visibly shocked, called for help as crew members rushed to assist, saying, “Oh my goodness, we’re just going to get some help here for Camryn.” Flustered, he opted to cut to a commercial break. After the break, Hunt updated viewers, stating Kinsey had regained consciousness and was being checked by paramedics, adding, “We wish her all the best.”
Fox News issued a statement to USA TODAY on Friday, confirming Kinsey fainted during the Los Angeles broadcast but was treated, cleared by paramedics, and is recovering well. Neither Kinsey nor Fox disclosed the cause of the incident.
Lester Holt, the 66-year-old NBC Nightly News anchor, is stepping down this summer to pursue hands-on journalism through his role on Dateline, he revealed in a Variety interview.
Holt explained that leaving Nightly News will grant him the freedom to return to his reporting roots, focusing on in-depth, months-long stories that allow him to flex "different news muscles."
After discussions with his wife and confidants, Holt, who has hosted Nightly News for a decade, decided he still has "gas in the tank" for storytelling that doesn't require a desk. Reflecting on past Dateline experiences, like spending nights in prison for a story or covering crises, he expressed a desire to do more unconventional journalism.
Holt clarified that his exit, announced in February, wasn't a sudden epiphany but a deliberate choice to focus full-time on Dateline, a show he's anchored for 15 years. He aims to craft impactful, long-form stories on subjects he cares about, working closely with Dateline’s talented team.
ESPN and the Savannah Bananas just cranked up the summer fun with an exciting schedule boost to ESPN’s lineup: the May 30 and 31 Savannah Bananas games at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calf. are now set to stream on ESPN+ and Disney+. The added games follow a rights agreement announced in April. Now with the addition of the weekend series in Anaheim, the total number of games on ESPN platforms grows to 12, with 11 games still upcoming from historic Fenway Park, picturesque Camden Yards and boisterous Nissan Stadium in Nashville, this Saturday, May 10 (8p ET, ESPN2).
But before the Bananas bring their wild energy to the ballpark, they’re kicking things off with a day at Disneyland Resort on May 28. As part of the early stages of the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, the team will light up the Anaheim Park with a high-energy Savannah Bananas Cavalcade, a show-stopping Castle Dance, and plenty more surprises.
This schedule enhancement follows the Bananas’ electrifying 2025 World Tour debut on ESPN platforms on April 26, as the team thrilled fans with a performance in front of a record-setting 81,000 spectators at Memorial Stadium on Clemson University’s campus, with nearly 450,000 fans tuning-in on ESPN2.
“Coming off of the incredible momentum from the Savannah Bananas’ game in Death Valley, adding two more games this month, across ESPN and Disney platforms, is a great opportunity to serve our fans and further bolster our commitment to this fast-growing game,” said Brent Colborne, ESPN Vice President of Programming & Content Strategy. “Angel Stadium offers the ideal stage for avid and new fans alike to experience more of the Bananas’ one-of-a-kind, inclusive style of baseball as we head into the heart of summer.”
Isabelle Stewart has been named FOX Weather’s, FOX News Media’s free ad-supported streaming television (“FAST”) weather service, fourth annual scholarship recipient in partnership with Mississippi State University, announced its president Sharri Berg.
As part of the scholarship, FOX Weather meteorologist Steve Bender will serve as a mentor to Stewart effective immediately and she will intern with FOX Weather beginning in 2026.
In making the announcement Berg said, “We are beyond proud to play a role in fostering the next generation of meteorologists. Like Haley Meier, Sadie Morris and Mark Kimoto, Isabelle is a rising star in the STEM field and we are excited to welcome her to America’s Weather Team.”
In receiving the scholarship, Stewart said, “Being chosen as the recipient of the FOX Weather Scholarship is such a dream come true. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be mentored by such wise and inspirational professionals, and I am eager to grow my knowledge of meteorology. This internship is such an honor, and I am so excited for what is to come.”
Stewart is a sophomore at Mississippi State University studying Geosciences with a concentration in Professional Meteorology and an emphasis in Broadcast Meteorology and a minor in Communications. She is a member of Mississippi State University’s Chapter of the National Weather Association and the American Meteorological Society where she was named member of the year in 2024. Stewart has also assisted at the Birmingham, Alabama NBC-affiliate WVTM-TV studios shadowing chief meteorologist Jason Simpson. In 2023, Stewart graduated from Winfield High School and is from North Fayette, Alabama.
Created in November 2021 as part of a long-term partnership between FOX Weather and Mississippi State to support students pursuing a career in meteorology, the scholarship offers financial aid, mentorship and the opportunity to serve as an intern for FOX Weather.
The recipient is preferred to be an undergraduate with a proven academic achievement record of a 3.0 GPA or higher. Inaugural recipient Haley Meier joined FOX Weather as an on-air meteorologist upon graduation in 2023 and last year’s recipient Sadie Morris will serve as an intern summer 2025, working in the network’s New York headquarters with FOX Weather meteorologist Jane Minar serving as her mentor. Mark Kimoto, the second annual scholarship recipient, interned with FOX Weather in the summer of 2024.
Ronald Richard Stiff, known on 1400 AM WRJN radio name "Ron Richards", age 77, passed away May 3, 2025.
He died from complications of emergency bypass heart surgery after being flown Flight-For-Life to Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital in Milwaukee.
Stiff was born in Tomahawk, Wis. on October 29, 1947. He was a graduate of Green Bay Premontre, now known as Notre Dame Academy. Born with a golden voice, Ron was the radio personality & disc jockey for the stations of 1450 KFIZ Fond du Lac, 920 WOKY Milwaukee, 100.7 WRKR Racine, 1130 WISN Milwaukee and 1400 WRJN Racine, from where he retired as station operations manager.
One of his career highlights was to be invited as the media guest rider with the Air Force Thunderbirds air demonstration squadron while practicing for a show in Racine.
➦In 1922...WHB-AM, Kansas City, Missouri, signed-on.
According to fadedsignals.com, Sam Adair and John Schilling signed WHB on the air in 1922 from Kansas City. Cook Paint and Varnish Company purchased the station in 1930. It was an independent station until becoming a Mutual Network affiliate in 1936.
WHB operated as a daytime-only station until the FCC granted it full-time status in 1946.
Cook sold WHB-AM to Omaha entrepreneur Todd Storz in 1954. He enjoyed success with a Top 40 pop format on his stations in Omaha and New Orleans. Storz flipped WHB to the nation’s first 24-hour Top 40 format. It became Kansas City’s most popular station by the end of the year.
WHB-AM’s 10,000-watt signal made the station one of the most powerful Top 40 stations in the country. It became a model for many stations around the nation seeking to copy the success of the Top 40 format.
Here’s a sample of what WHB sounded like in 1960:
Storz Broadcasting sold WHB to Shamrock Broadcasting in 1985. The new owner dropped Top 40 for a oldies. In 1989, KCMO-FM flipped to oldies, drawing away WHB-AM’s listeners.
WHB began simulcasting a farm/country music format in 1993. It swapped frequencies with KCMO-AM in 1998, giving the station a larger daytime coverage area. (DA50Kw-D, DA5Kw-Night). WHB had been broadcasting at 710 AM (DA10Kw-Day, DA 5Kw-Night).
Union Broadcasting purchased WHB and flipped the station to its current sports format in 1999.
➦In 1924..Chicago radio stations underwent significant call sign changes, reflecting the evolving regulatory landscape of broadcasting. Station KZN changed to KFPT, WGN became WEBH, and WDAP took on the WGN call sign. These shifts, reported by the Chicago Tribune on May 31, 1924, were part of efforts to reduce interference and clarify station identities as radio grew in popularity. While not precisely on May 10, this activity highlights the dynamic state of early commercial broadcasting in the U.S., with stations adapting to new regulations and market demands.
➦In 1929...Radio Personality Scott Muni was born Donald Allen Muñoz in Wichita, Kansas, Muni grew up in New Orleans, joined the U-S Marine Corps and began broadcasting in 1950, reading "Dear John" letters over Radio Guam. After leaving the Corps, he began working as a disc jockey; in 1953 he began working at WSMB in New Orleans. His mentor was Marshall Pearce. In 1955 he took over for Alan Freed at station WAKR in Akron, Ohio, and after that worked in Kankakee, Illinois. Muni then spent almost 50 years at stations in New York City. He died on September 28, 2004 at the age of 74 in New York City.
➦In 1934...Gary Owens born Gary Bernard Altman (Died at age 80 – February 12, 2015). His polished baritone speaking voice generally offered deadpan recitations of total nonsense, which he frequently demonstrated as the announcer on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. Owens was equally proficient in straight or silly assignments and was frequently heard on television and radio as well as in commercials.
Gary Owens
Owens started his radio career in 1952 as a news reporter at KORN, Mitchell, South Dakota and two years later was promoted to news director. In 1956, he left KORN for a newscaster job at KMA, Shenandoah, Iowa before moving on to a disc jockey job at KOIL, Omaha, Nebraska. He also worked in Dallas, New Orleans, St. Louis, and at KIMN in Denver before relocating to California in 1959, working at KROY in Sacramento and KEWB in Oakland before finally settling in Los Angeles.
Owens moved to KEWB's sister station KFWB in Los Angeles in 1961. From there, he joined the staff of KMPC in 1962, where he remained for the next two decades working the 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. shift Monday through Friday.
A gifted punster, Owens became known for his surrealistic humor. Among his trademarks were daily appearances by The Story Lady (played by Joan Gerber); the Rumor of the Day; myriad varieties of "The Nurney Song"; and the introduction of the nonsense word "insegrevious", which was briefly included in the Funk & Wagnalls Dictionary.
Owens moved from KMPC to another Los Angeles station, KPRZ 1150 AM, in the early 1980s, hosting mornings at the "Music Of Your Life"-formatted station.
In the late 1990s, Owens hosted the morning show on the Music of Your Life radio network, where he later had the evening shift and hosted a weekend afternoon show until 2006.
He died Feb. 12 2015 of complications from his life-long diabetes, at age 80.
➦In 1954...Bill Haley and the Comets released the classic "Rock Around The Clock," which became the first rock and roll song to top the charts.
➦In 1972…George Washington Trendle died (Born - July 4, 1884). He was a Detroit lawyer and businessman best known as the producer of the Lone Ranger radio and television programs along with The Green Hornet and Sergeant Preston of the Yukon.
George Trendle
During the 1920s, George W. Trendle was a Detroit, Michigan, lawyer who had established a reputation as a tough negotiator specializing in movie contracts and leases. Trendle became involved in the Detroit area entertainment business in 1928 when local motion picture theater owner John H. Kunsky offered Trendle 25 percent ownership in exchange for his services.
Trendle and Kunsky formed the Kunsky-Trendle Broadcasting Company in 1929 after purchasing Detroit radio station WGHP. The radio station's call letters were changed to WXYZ.
WXYZ was initially affiliated with the CBS but became an independent station within a year. Trendle's partner, Kunsky, legally changed his name to King in 1936, and the Kunsky-Trendle Broadcasting Company became the King-Trendle Broadcasting Company. WXYZ improved its technical facilities through the 1930s, expanding its studios, raising its daytime power from 1,000 to 5,000 watts in the late 1930s, and increasing nighttime power to 5,000 watts in time for its mandated 1941 move from 1240 to 1270 kHz under the North American Regional Broadcasting Agreement.
In 1931, Kunsky-Trendle acquired WASH and WOOD in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The two stations merged facilities, including studios and transmitters, but retained both station licenses. WASH was on the air from 8 a.m. to noon, and WOOD from noon to midnight. WOOD-WASH became an NBC Red affiliate in 1935. King and Trendle decided to drop the WASH license in 1942, keeping the WOOD identification.
In 1946, the newly formed American Broadcasting Company purchased the King-Trendle Broadcasting Company and its radio stations for $3.65 million. This sale was for the broadcast facilities (including WOOD, WXYZ, and the Michigan Regional Network) and a construction permit for what would later become WXYZ-TV (channel 7) but did not include ownership of Trendle's radio programs.
Here is an episode of The Lone Ranger from 1937...
➦In 1982...Top 40 formatted WABC 770 AM, New York City, played it's last record before converting to Talk Radio.
WABC ended its 22-year run as a music station with a 9 am–noon farewell show hosted by Dan Ingram and Ron Lundy. The last song played on WABC before the format change was "Imagine" by John Lennon, followed by the familiar WABC "Chime Time" jingle, then a moment of silence before the debut of the new talk format.
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is reportedly considering a significant restructuring that could lead to a breakup of its business operations, as announced on Thursday.
The move aims to separate its declining cable TV networks from its faster-growing streaming and studio divisions, reflecting broader industry trends as media companies grapple with cord-cutting and shifting consumer preferences toward streaming.
Restructuring Plan: WBD is exploring a split into two entities:
Global Linear Networks: This would include cable networks like CNN, Discovery Channel, and Animal Planet, which have seen a 7% revenue decline due to ongoing cord-cutting trends.
Streaming and Studios: This unit would encompass the Max streaming platform and WBD’s film and TV studios, which are seen as higher-growth areas despite recent studio revenue drops.
The cable TV sector is struggling, with linear TV revenues down and a deteriorating market for traditional networks. Meanwhile, WBD’s streaming unit, including Max and Discovery+, added 5.3 million subscribers in Q1 2025, reaching over 122 million globally, signaling stronger growth potential. The split aims to create a leaner, more focused company with enhanced growth prospects by isolating the struggling cable assets.
WBD reported mixed Q1 2025 results, with a per-share loss of 18 cents, worse than analyst expectations, and an 18% drop in studio revenues due to a weak box office slate. However, streaming subscriber growth and a $259 million studio EBITDA provided some positive notes.
Revenue at the TV networks segment, which includes CNN, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet, fell 7%.
The company carries significant debt from its 2022 merger, which complicates finding buyers for the cable unit.
Market Reaction: WBD shares surged over 4-6% on May 8, 2025, after the breakup news, rebounding from losses tied to the weak quarterly report. Despite this, the stock is down roughly 15% year-to-date.
David Zaslav
CEO David Zaslav emphasized the reorganization into two divisions (Linear Networks and Studio & Streaming) allows WBD to move quickly if a split is pursued. The company began laying groundwork for this in December 2024, separating operations to improve focus and potentially position units for future sales or mergers.
Analysts note that while a breakup could unlock value, selling the cable networks may be difficult due to their declining value and WBD’s high debt levels (3.8 times leverage). The company’s streaming and studio arm, bolstered by iconic brands like HBO and DC, is seen as more attractive to investors or potential buyers.
The potential breakup aligns with broader media industry shifts, as companies like Paramount Global also face pressure to divest or restructure amid declining cable TV relevance. Speculation about WBD’s future has been ongoing since its 2022 merger, with earlier posts on X in July 2024 indicating similar discussions.
Some analysts and investors view the split as a way to address the “incessant decline in linear cable” and refocus on streaming and content creation.
The 60th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards took place on May 8, 2025, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, hosted by Reba McEntire for the 18th time.
The event, streamed live on Prime Video, celebrated six decades of country music with performances by artists like Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Lainey Wilson, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Chris Stapleton, and Miranda Lambert, among others. The show featured notable collaborations, including a Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts duet, and a 12-minute opening medley of ACM Songs of the Year from the past six decades.
Entertainer of the Year, securing her second consecutive win in this top category and cementing her status with the ACM Triple Crown (having previously won Female Artist and New Artist).
Female Artist of the Year.
Artist-Songwriter of the Year.
Cody Johnson won Song of the Year for his hit "Dirt Cheap," recognized for its emotional resonance.
Chris Stapleton took home Male Artist of the Year.
Ella Langley and Riley Green won Music Event of the Year for their duet "You Look Like You Love Me." Langley also earned New Female Artist of the Year and Visual Media of the Year, having led nominations with eight.
Zach Top was awarded New Male Artist of the Year.
Red Clay Strays received New Duo or Group of the Year.
The awards highlighted both established stars and emerging talent, with Ella Langley’s breakout success and Lainey Wilson’s continued dominance being key storylines. Additional winners were announced during the live broadcast, but specific details for categories like Album of the Year or Single of the Year were not fully detailed in available sources.
Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV, and Paramount Pictures, announced its first quarter 2025 financial results amid ongoing preparations for a merger with Skydance Media. The company, a major player in media and entertainment, reported mixed performance across its streaming, filmed entertainment, and television media segments, while navigating macroeconomic uncertainties and legal challenges.
Paramount Global reported a 6% year-over-year revenue decline, totaling $7.19 billion for Q1 2025. However, the company noted that when excluding the impact of broadcasting Super Bowl LVIII on CBS in 2024 (which significantly boosted prior-year figures), revenue grew by 2%. The Super Bowl’s absence in Q1 2025 created challenging comparisons across multiple segments.
The Paramount+ streaming platform added 1.5 million subscribers, reaching a global total of 79 million subscribers. This growth reflects Paramount’s ongoing investment in streaming as a core growth driver. Revenue in the direct-to-consumer segment, which includes Paramount+ and other streaming services like Pluto TV, rose 9% compared to Q1 2024. However, advertising revenue within this segment fell by 9%, primarily due to the Super Bowl’s impact on the prior year’s figures.
Paramount emphasized that its streaming business continues to gain traction, supported by exclusive content like Yellowstone spinoffs, Star Trek series, and live sports.
The filmed entertainment division, encompassing Paramount Pictures, saw a 4% revenue increase to $627 million. This growth was driven by strong box-office performances from films such as Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Novocaine, a thriller that resonated with audiences. However, theatrical production revenue declined, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences toward streaming and challenges in the broader theatrical market. Paramount’s film slate remains a key asset, with upcoming releases expected to bolster this segment.
Television media revenue, which includes CBS, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and other cable networks, dropped 13% year-over-year. The decline was largely attributed to the absence of Super Bowl advertising revenue, which had significantly boosted Q1 2024 results. Television advertising revenue specifically fell 21%, though Paramount noted that, excluding the Super Bowl, ad revenue was flat. The company highlighted resilience in its cable networks despite cord-cutting trends and a softening ad market, with popular shows like NCIS and SpongeBob SquarePants maintaining strong viewership.
Strategic Developments
Merger with Skydance Media: Paramount is advancing its merger with Skydance Media, a production company known for co-producing films like Top Gun: Maverick and Mission: Impossible. The deal, currently under review by the FCC, is expected to close in the first half of 2025. The merger aims to strengthen Paramount’s content pipeline and financial position by combining Skydance’s production expertise with Paramount’s extensive media assets. The transaction has garnered significant attention as Paramount seeks to scale its operations in a competitive media landscape dominated by giants like Netflix and Disney.
Legal Challenges: Paramount is also addressing a $20 billion lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump against its CBS News division. The lawsuit stems from a 60 Minutes interview with then-Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, which Trump claims was misleading. According to The Wall Street Journal, settlement discussions have begun, but the parties remain far apart. Mediation talks are underway, and the outcome could have financial and reputational implications for Paramount.
Smartmatic, an electronic voting company suing Fox News for alleged defamation over 2020 election coverage, reportedly concealed a meeting with Democratic megadonor Reid Hoffman, according to newly unsealed court documents.
After the 2020 election, Fox News and Newsmax aired commentators’ concerns about voting machine security, prompting Smartmatic to file defamation lawsuits. Fox settled a similar case with Dominion Voting Systems, while Newsmax settled with Smartmatic for $40 million, per NBC.
Fox previously raised suspicions of a “deep-pocketed third party” funding Smartmatic’s lawsuit, which Smartmatic denied in 2023, Reuters reported. However, The Washington Post revealed in July 2024 that Hoffman had invested millions in Smartmatic, connecting with CEO Antonio Mugica through mutual contacts to support its litigation against Fox. Unsealed filings from the New York State Supreme Court allege Mugica met with “politically motivated investors” to discuss Smartmatic’s finances and investment prospects, a fact Smartmatic withheld during a February 5, 2025, court hearing.
The documents claim Hoffman and his adviser Dmitri Mehlhorn provided $25 million to fund Smartmatic’s lawsuit against Fox, with Hoffman publicly stating Smartmatic could be worth $400 million absent the alleged defamation.
A deposition from the Newsmax case confirmed a private meeting between Hoffman and Mugica, undisclosed at the February hearing, where they discussed Smartmatic’s finances and the lawsuit. The filing further alleges Smartmatic failed to disclose a litigation-funding agreement with a Hoffman-controlled entity, which Fox discovered through media reports in July 2024, just before the close of fact discovery.
A Fox News representative told The Federalist that Hoffman’s involvement was unsurprising.
Entravision Communications Corporation reported a 17% year-over-year increase in consolidated net revenue for the first quarter of 2025, as announced Thursday.
The growth was primarily driven by a robust performance in its Advertising Technology & Services segment, which saw a 57% revenue increase to $50.9 million, fueled by higher ad spend per client and enhanced AI capabilities in its proprietary technology platform, including Smadex (a programmatic ad purchasing platform) and Adwake (a mobile growth solutions business). Operating profit for this segment surged 296% to $6.5 million.
Michael Christenson
However, the Media segment, which includes television, radio, and digital advertising services targeting Latino audiences in the U.S., experienced a 10% revenue decline due to fewer active advertisers compared to the prior year, resulting in an operating loss of $2.6 million.
Despite this, revenue performance in the Media segment improved monthly throughout the quarter following expansions in the sales team.
The company reported an overall operating loss of $52.8 million for the quarter, largely due to $48.9 million in non-cash charges related to the sale of two Mexican television stations and the abandonment of its former Santa Monica headquarters. Entravision maintained a strong balance sheet with $78.1 million in cash and equivalents and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share, payable on June 30, 2025, to shareholders of record as of June 16, 2025.
CEO Michael Christenson highlighted strategic initiatives, including expanding news production, growing local sales, enhancing digital advertising solutions, and maintaining cost efficiency while focusing on technology platform development. These efforts reflect Entravision’s focus on growth and financial stability amid a challenging media landscape.
Jim Fagan, the iconic announcer with a rugged voice, was the sound of NBA on NBC during the 1990s and early 2000s, a time when Michael Jordan reigned and stars like Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Tim Duncan emerged.
Paired with John Tesh’s “Roundball Rock,” Fagan’s voiceovers defined an era. Fagan passed away in 2017 at 72 after battling Parkinson’s, but his voice is set to return. NBC Sports announced this week that, through AI voice synthesis and collaboration with Fagan’s family, his voice will feature in select NBA title sequences, show opens, and promos when the league returns to the network this fall, complementing other voiceover artists.
This follows NBC’s decision to revive “Roundball Rock” as its NBA theme, with a promo video showcasing both the song and Fagan’s AI-generated voice, deliberately evoking nostalgia. “Jim’s unique voice instantly brings back memories of a golden NBA era,” said NBC Sports president Rick Cordella.
“It captured the intensity of those iconic matchups and stars. Working with his family to recreate his voice has been an honor, and we’re thrilled to share it with a new generation.”
News Corporation released its third quarter fiscal 2025 earnings results on Thursday, covering the period ending March 31, 2025. The company, which owns assets like Dow Jones, HarperCollins, News Corp Australia, and digital real estate platforms, reported solid financial performance driven by growth in key segments.
News Corp reported total revenue of $2.01 billion, a slight increase from the prior year and in line with analyst estimates of $2.0 billion. The growth was fueled by strong performances in the Dow Jones, Book Publishing (HarperCollins), and Digital Real Estate Services segments.
Dow Jones: The division, which includes The Wall Street Journal and Barron’s, saw robust revenue growth due to a rebound in digital subscriptions. The Wall Street Journal reported increased subscriber numbers, bolstered by professional information products like WSJ Pro and Risk & Compliance.
Book Publishing (HarperCollins): This segment contributed significantly to revenue gains, driven by strong sales of both physical and digital books. Popular titles and expanded digital distribution were key factors.
News Media: This segment, including News Corp Australia and U.S./U.K. mastheads, faced headwinds from a softer advertising market but was partially offset by digital initiatives.
Digital Growth: News Corp emphasized its shift toward digital revenue streams, with digital subscriptions and advertising now accounting for a significant portion of income. The company’s focus on premium content and data-driven products has strengthened its financial resilience.
On Thursday, President Trump announced Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. attorney for Washington, shortly after withdrawing his initial nominee, Ed Martin, due to Senate Republican pressure. Pirro, 73, a former Westchester County, N.Y., Republican district attorney, was part of a lawsuit against Fox News for spreading false 2020 election claims.
Trump praised Pirro’s prosecutorial record, calling her a “powerful crusader for victims of crime” and “in a class by herself” on social media.
A longtime ally, Pirro has defended Trump on Fox’s “The Five” and risked her reputation by echoing his election fraud claims. She left her lucrative TV role to take the position, leveraging her decades-long relationship with Trump to secure a key Justice Department role.
Pirro, a former host of “Justice with Judge Jeanine” on Fox News for ten years, is currently the co-host of The Five, also on Fox News.
JUST IN: Fox News’ @JudgeJeanine Piro will be leaving Fox to take up a role from President Trump as interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia pic.twitter.com/0aWe1C55rL
Pirro, who last held a law enforcement position two decades ago before unsuccessful political campaigns, including a 2006 Senate run against Hillary Clinton, fills the role as Martin’s 120-day interim term nears its May 20 expiration.
Without a new appointee, the position would have defaulted to Washington’s Federal District Court judges.
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has announced the Department of Education terminated the Ready To Learn grant program, a federal initiative that supported the development of children’s educational television shows and digital content.
This decision resulted in a loss of $23 million that would have funded programming and educational games for children, impacting PBS and 44 public media stations nationwide.
The Ready To Learn grant, authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, has been awarded every five years since 1995 to CPB and PBS. It historically funded iconic children’s shows like Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and more recent programs like Molly of Denali, Work It Out Wombats!, and Lyla in the Loop. The 2020-2025 grant cycle, which was set to expire on September 30, 2025, provided $105 million over five years to support educational content creation and local station outreach.
The Department of Education, under the Trump administration, justified the cancellation by claiming the grants funded “racial justice educational programming” and “divisive ideologies and woke propaganda.”
A spokesperson, Madi Biedermann, stated that the department would prioritize funding for “meaningful learning and improving student outcomes.” This aligns with a broader White House executive order issued the previous week, directing federal agencies to cease funding to NPR and PBS, citing concerns over biased media content.
CPB and PBS expressed strong opposition, emphasizing the program’s 30-year bipartisan support and proven educational value. CPB President Patricia Harrison stated intentions to work with Congress and the administration to preserve funding, noting that “nearly every parent has raised their kids on public broadcasting’s children’s content.” PBS Kids’ Sara DeWitt highlighted the “profound impact” on families, particularly in underserved communities. The CPB also challenged the executive order’s legality, arguing that Congress established CPB as a private nonprofit to insulate it from federal control, and only Congress can alter its funding
A new Pew Research Center study reveals a notable shift in Republicans’ trust in information from news outlets and social media since 2024.
The study, part of Pew’s ongoing research into news habits and media trust since 2016, highlights evolving attitudes among U.S. adults, with specific insights into partisan differences.
Increased Trust in National News Outlets Among Republicans:
In 2025, 53% of Republicans reported having at least some trust in information from national news outlets, up significantly from 40% in 2024.
This 13-percentage-point increase suggests a growing acceptance of traditional news sources among Republicans, potentially reflecting changes in media consumption or political climate following the 2024 presidential election.
The study notes that 28% of Americans aged 65 and older have at least some trust in information from social media, compared to 74% who trust national news organizations and 84% who trust local news outlets. While specific figures for Republicans’ trust in social media were not detailed, the broader trend indicates that younger adults (18-29) are more likely to trust social media, with 50% expressing at least some trust.
Overall Trust: Americans across political affiliations are generally more likely to trust information from both news organizations and social media in 2025 compared to 2024. This shift reverses some of the distrust observed in prior years, particularly during the polarized 2020-2024 period.
The study suggests that Republicans’ increased trust may be linked to their improved confidence in the political system post-2024, as evidenced by other Pew findings showing 35% of Republicans were satisfied with the state of the nation in 2025, up from 10% in October 2024.
The 2024 presidential election, won by Donald Trump, appears to have influenced Republicans’ attitudes.
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