Remembrances: Many Gave Some, Some Gave All

MEMORIAL WEEKEND 2025

(MC will return Tuesday)

 Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.

Memorial Day, as Decoration Day gradually came to be known, originally honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War. But during World War I the United States found itself embroiled in another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, including World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, the date General Logan had selected for the first Decoration Day. But in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. The change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.

The Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day

Both holidays (Veterans Day and Memorial Day) were established to recognize and honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces.

Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday in May, was originally set aside as a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

Veterans Day is intended to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military—living and dead—whether in wartime or peace. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living Veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served—not only those who died—have sacrificed and done their duty.

Thank-You All Vets

To ensure the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000 the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.

The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a two minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.

On Oct. 7, 2016, President Obama signed the Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act. The law requires that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe a two-minute national moment of silence on Veterans Day at 3:11 p.m. Atlantic standard time, 2:11 p.m. Eastern standard time, 1:11 p.m. Central standard time, 12:11 p.m. Mountain standard time, 11:11 a.m. Pacific standard time, 10:11 a.m. Alaska standard time, and 9:11 a.m. Hawaii-Aleutian standard time.

Radio History: May 26

➦In 1886..iconic performer Al Jolson born Asa Yoelson (Died at age 64 - October 23, 1950) was a Russian-born American singer, comedian, and actor. At the peak of his career, he was dubbed "The World's Greatest Entertainer".  In the 1920s, Jolson was America's most famous and highest-paid entertainer.

Al Jolson - 1938

Although best remembered today as the star of the first talking picture, The Jazz Singer (1927), he starred in a series of successful musical films during the 1930s. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was the first star to entertain troops overseas during World War II.

After a period of inactivity, his stardom returned with The Jolson Story (1946), for which Larry Parks played Jolson, with the singer dubbing for Parks. The formula was repeated in a sequel, Jolson Sings Again (1949). In 1950, he again became the first star to entertain GIs on active service in the Korean War, performing 42 shows in 16 days. He died weeks after returning to the U.S., partly owing to the physical exertion of performing. Defense Secretary George Marshall posthumously awarded him the Medal for Merit.

➦In 1903...Canadian radio pioneer Reginald Fessenden was granted a patent for the liquid barretter microphone.

➦In 1920...singer Peggy Lee, whose real name is Norma Delores Egstrom, was born in Jamestown, North Dakota.

She was among the few singers who can handle any type of song — pop, ballad, country, rhythm-and-blues or jazz. Benny Goodman gave her her stage name when she performed with his band from 1941 to ’43. Lee went out on her own after marrying Goodman’s guitarist, Dave Barbour. Her hit records included “Manana (mahn-YAH’-nah),” ”Fever” — a cover of Little Willie John’s r-and-b song — and ”Is That All There Is?” Peggy Lee died of a heart attack January 21st, 2002. She was 81.

Jimmie Rodgers

➦In 1933...Jimmie Rodgers, the “Father of Country Music,” died of tuberculosis in New York City at age 35, just two days after making his final recording.

He was so ill during his final recording sessions that he had to rest between takes on a cot.  Jimmie Rodgers recorded his first million-seller “T for Texas,” also known as “Blue Yodel,” in 1927, becoming country music’s first superstar. He never appeared on any major radio show or played the Grand Ole Opry. But he, Hank Williams and songwriter-publisher Fred Rose were the first to be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961.

➦In 1940...CBS Radio first presented “Invitation to Learning”.  The 30-minute Sunday morning program that featured a discussion of great books, with Lyman Bryson as host, continued for 15 years.

Joe Kelly

➦In 1959...Chicago-based radio host Joe Kelly, who MC’d the WLS National Barn Dance & NBC’s Quiz Kids (1940-53), died at age 57.

➦In 1962...the original version of “Twist and Shout,” by the Isley Brothers, was released. The song was revived two years later by the Beatles.

➦In 1971...Don McLean was in New York to record his soon-to-be iconic signature song “American Pie.”

➦In 1989...Radio stations staged 30 seconds of silence at 7:42 AM (EST), to honor Radio.

Carleton Morse

➦In 1993...Radio dramatist, Carleton Morse, best known for "One Man's Family", died at age 91.

"One Man's Family" centered on a family in the well-to-do Sea Cliff area of San Francisco, overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. The tribulations of its main characters, Fanny, Henry and Jack Barbour, dominated the national airwaves from the time the show began in 1932 until it went off the air in 1959 after 3,256 episodes.

He covered radio and police news for The Sacramento Union before moving to San Francisco, where he worked for several newspapers, including The Call, The Bulletin and The Chronicle. He took a writing job at NBC in 1929 and went on to became a legendary radio pioneer.

At its peak, "One Man's Family" rivaled "Amos 'n' Andy" in popularity.

Dan Daniel - WCBS-FM

➦In 1996...Dan Daniel started at Oldies WCBS 101.1 FM NYC

He started as a disc jockey at age seventeen on Armed Forces Radio with the US Navy. His first commercial job was at KXYZ in Houston in 1955 and he then worked at WDGY in Minneapolis before moving to WMCA in 1961.

His first broadcast at WMCA was on August 18, 1961. He started on the graveyard shift overnight but from 1962 to 1968 he played the top 40 hits from 4 pm to 7 pm. The station produced a survey of the current sales in New York record stores and Dandy Dan gave the countdown of the week's best sellers every Wednesday in this late afternoon slot.

From 1968 to 1970, he did the early morning drive-to-work slot before leaving WMCA after nearly nine years; his final broadcast was on 11 July 1970.

Dan was heard coast-to-coast on NBC Radio's "Monitor" in the summer of 1973.

He subsequently worked on WYNY-FM where he hosted the mid-day slot and later morning and afternoon drives. He then did a stint at WHN playing country music before returning to WYNY-FM. Finally, he moved to WCBS-FM in 1996. He retired from WCBS on December 31, 2002.

Daniel died on June 21, 2016 after falling in his home the previous day. He was 81.

Radio History: May 25

➦In 1905...Journalist Joseph C. Harsch born (Died at age 93 – June 3, 1998) was a newspaper, radio, and television journalist. He spent more than sixty years writing for the Christian Science Monitor

Harsch made his first broadcasts during the time he was in Berlin as bureau chief for the Christian Science Monitor, filling in sporadically for William L. Shirer who was the noted Berlin correspondent for CBS. After Harsch returned to the United States, he joined CBC in 1943. For the next six years Harsch broadcast his news analysis on WTOP, Washington D.C.

Because of his background in London, Harsch was hired by the BBC when influential broadcaster Raymond Gram Swing gave up his post with the weekly radio program American Commentary. Harsch alternated his coverage from Washington with Clifton Utley, who reported from Chicago.

In 1953, Harsch shifted his allegiance to NBC, serving as a news analyst for four years before returning to London as the senior European correspondent for the network. ABC became his broadcast home in 1967, when he was a commentator for the network until 1971, assigned to the American Entertainment Network effective 1/1/68.

Lindsey Nelson

➦In 1919...sportscaster Lindsey Nelson born (Died at age 76 – June 10, 1995), He was best known for his long career calling play-by-play of college football and New York Mets baseball.

Nelson spent 17 years with the Mets and three years with the San Francisco Giants. For 33 years Nelson covered college football, including 26 Cotton Bowls, five Sugar Bowls, four Rose Bowls, and 14 years announcing syndicated Notre Dame games. He is in 13 separate Halls of Fame. Fans remember a talented broadcaster, an expert storyteller, and a true sports enthusiast. From his colorful jackets to his equally colorful broadcasts and enthusiastic manner of speaking, Nelson established himself as one of the industry's leading sportscasters.

Nelson broke into broadcasting in 1948 following a short career as a reporter in Columbia, Tennessee, for the Columbia Daily Herald newspaper, He was the first play-by-play announcer for the "Vol Network," which was set up to broadcast the UT Vols games.

➦In 1985...CBS resumed weekly national play-by-play baseball on radio for the first time in 20 years as Brent Musburger called the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets. The Mutual Broadcasting System was the last radio network to have offered regular-season coverage of baseball back in the 1960’s.

➦In 2013...Veteran radio talk show host Gene Burns died from a stroke at age 72.  In his early twenties, Burns was hired as news director for radio station WWHG in his hometown of Hornell, New York, before moving on to WSBA in York, PA. He began his career as talk radio host at WCBM in Baltimore in the mid-1960s. While at WCBM, Burns did two major international assignments, going to Vietnam  in 1968 and the Middle East in 1969.

Gene Burns

Following a brief stint with WEEI in Boston, Burns served as a talk show host as well as program director at WKIS-AM in Orlando, FL, beginning in 1971. He would remain there until 1981, when he departed for WCAU in Philadelphia in 1981. He then returned to Orlando and WKIS in the early 1980s and was named the station's operations manager in 1984.  In 1985, Burns returned to Boston, hosting a talk show on WRKO for eight years.

In 1993, Burns moved to New York City and began hosting a nationally syndicated talk program from the studios of WOR.

In 1995, he began broadcasting for KGO-AM in San Francisco. He hosted a talk show of political and social commentary called The Gene Burns Program on weeknights, as well as a program that focused on wine and fine dining in the San Francisco Bay Area called Dining Around with Gene Burns which was broadcast weekly on Saturdays.

Radio History: May 24

➦In 1844...Samuel F.B. Morse gave the first public demonstration of his telegraph by sending a message from the Supreme Court Chamber in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. to the B&O Railroad "outer depot" (now the B&O Railroad Museum) in Baltimore. The famous message was, "What hath God wrought?"

➦In 1915...Thomas Edison invented telescribe to record telephone conversations

➦In 1935...The Mutual Broadcasting System network aired its inaugural live event—the first-ever night baseball game, between the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies. That October, the network began a decades-long run as broadcaster of baseball's World Series, with airtime responsibilities shared between WGN's Bob Elson and Quin Ryan and WLW's Red Barber (NBC and CBS also carried the series that year; the Fall Classic would air on all three networks through 1938).

➦In 1958…Formally named "United Press Associations" for incorporation and legal purposes, but publicly known and identified as United Press or UP, the news agency was created by the 1907 uniting of three smaller news syndicates. It became United Press International after absorbing the International News Service (INS). As either UP or UPI, the agency was among the largest newswire services in the world, competing domestically for about 90 years with the Associated Press and internationally with AP, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.

➦In 1963...The Beatles recorded the first program of their own BBC radio series, “Pop Go the Beatles”. The theme song was a version of “Pop Goes the Weasel”.

➦In 1981...Radio, TV Actor and personality George Jessel, who often performed with the nickname “America’s Toastmaster General,” died after a heart attack at age 83.

➦In 2008...Comedian Dick Martin, a co-star with Dan Rowan on NBC TV’s iconic “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In”, died of respiratory problems at age 86.  Early in his career, Martin was a staff writer for Duffy's Tavern, a radio situation comedy.

Billy Joel Reveals Brain Disorder, Cancels Concerts

Singer/Songwriter Billy Joel has canceled all upcoming concerts, including a major tour planned for this year and next, due to a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), he announced Friday.

A statement on Joel’s social media explained, “Recent performances have worsened this condition, causing issues with hearing, vision, and balance. Per medical advice, Billy is undergoing physical therapy and must avoid performing during recovery.”

The NY Times reports NPH, a rare disorder, results from excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, leading to symptoms like difficulty walking, bladder control issues, and cognitive decline, including memory problems. Early diagnosis allows treatment through surgery to redirect fluid, but late-stage effects may be irreversible.

NPH is one of the few causes of dementia or cognitive decline that can be controlled or reversed with treatment, the association’s website says. Surgical treatment usually involves placement of a shunt. The condition is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

Joel, 76, expressed regret: “I’m deeply sorry for disappointing our fans and appreciate your support.” His representative offered no further comment.

A music icon since the 1970s, Joel is celebrated for hits like “Piano Man,” “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant,” “She’s Always a Woman,” and “Big Shot,” with 43 songs on the Billboard Hot 100. Last year, he released “Turn the Lights Back On,” his first new pop song in nearly 20 years. Joel also concluded a decade-long Madison Square Garden residency in July, performing over 100 shows, drawing nearly two million attendees, and grossing over $260 million.

Dennis Arfa, Joel’s agent, told The New York Times last year, “Billy has become a stadium artist, with a unique energy in this stage of his career.”

Joel was scheduled to perform in over a dozen stadiums in the upcoming months alongside such lauded peers as Rod Stewart, Sting and Stevie Nicks.

In a mini-tour set to span this summer and next, Joel was set to treat die-hard fans to a medley of his greatest hits from the New Orleans Superdome to Yankee Stadium.

His "condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance," a statement posted to Joel's Instagram said. "Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period."

FCC’s Gomez: Agency Has ‘No Right’ to Crack Down on DEI

Citing a ruling this week from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez argued that the FCC lacks authority to pressure companies into eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. 

The court ruled that the FCC cannot collect race, sex, and ethnic data via Form 395-B, a practice used from 1970 to 2001 and briefly reinstated late in the Biden administration, though no data was collected.

In response, Gomez stated: “It’s a shame the court struck down reasonable transparency measures designed to shed light on the media market. But its broader message was unmistakable: the current FCC has no right to weaponize its authority against lawful, merit-based hiring decisions by private companies or target them because of their use of terms like diversity, equity and inclusion.” 

Brendan Carr

She added, “The FCC’s ideological crusade has never been about fairness—it’s about control. It’s a new and dangerous form of speech policing that has no place in a free society. We must continue to defend the First Amendment from those who use it as a weapon against the very freedoms it protects.”

FCC Chair Brendan Carr, appointed by President Trump, has eliminated DEI programs at the FCC, making their eradication a priority. He launched investigations into DEI practices at The Walt Disney, Comcast and Verizon Communications leading to significant outcomes. 

Disney and PBS agreed to end their DEI programs earlier this year, with PBS closing its DEI office in February 2025 , and Verizon ending its DEI efforts to secure FCC approval for its $20 billion takeover of Frontier Communications . Gomez and other critics, including former FCC commissioners, argue this crackdown aims to silence media critics of the Trump administration.

Gomez, along with other critics, including former FCC commissioners, contends that the DEI crackdown is an effort to silence media outlets critical of the Trump administration.

St. Louis Radio: How KMOX Remained On-Air During Devastation

St. Louis’ KMOX (KMOX-FM) provided critical community service over the weekend while a tornado touched down.

As ominous storm clouds gathered over the western St. Louis suburbs, radio engineer Kyle Hammer found himself at the forefront of a battle against nature’s fury. Monitoring the approaching system, he noticed when a transmitter site in the storm’s path lost commercial power, automatically switching to generator backup.

Roughly 35 minutes later, the unthinkable happened: the KMOX transmitter site itself was directly hit by a devastating EF-3 tornado. The powerful twister ripped through the area, leaving a trail of significant destruction and plunging the entire vicinity into darkness, silencing the FM signal. The AM signal remained functional.

As soon as it was safe, Hammer got in his truck for the three-mile drive that took about an hour and a half. There were dozens of downed trees and power lines, some blocking the entire road. Finally reaching the ravaged site, he restored power, bringing FM back online. In the wake of a catastrophic natural disaster, the station’s return to the airwaves provided a crucial service, ensuring listeners had access to the most up-to-date information during a time of immense need and uncertainty.

“I want to give a huge shout-out to the entire team at KMOX for outstanding, minute-by-minute coverage on the storms,” said Becky Domyan, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy St. Louis and Wichita. “I can’t reiterate how much this information was life-saving, and big kudos to News Brand Manager Beth Coghlan for leading her team through this calmly and accurately.”

“I actually was driving on Mason Road near Lindbergh when it hit, and I have driven through storms many times,” said Domyan. “For the first time in my life, in this situation, I was terrified. At that moment, I tuned into KMOX to get an idea of where the storm was, so I knew what I needed to do to be safe. In times like this, we are there to provide information that truly saves lives. I couldn’t be prouder of everyone on our team.”

NOAA Forecasts An Above-Normal Hurricane Season

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its 2025 Atlantic hurricane season outlook on May 22, 2025, during a news conference at the Jefferson Parish Emergency Operations Center in Gretna, Louisiana. 

The forecast predicts an above-normal season with a 60% chance of higher-than-average activity, driven by ENSO-neutral conditions and an active West African monsoon. NOAA expects 13-19 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), 6-10 hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), and 3-5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher, winds of 111 mph or higher). The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, 2025.

For the Central Pacific, NOAA’s outlook, released on May 15, 2025, forecasts a near-to-below-average season with 1-4 tropical cyclones (including tropical depressions, storms, and hurricanes) compared to a normal season’s 3-4. This prediction is based on neutral ENSO conditions and cooler sea surface temperatures. The Central Pacific season also spans June 1 to November 30.

NOAA emphasized preparedness, noting that even a below-normal season can bring impactful storms. New forecasting improvements for 2025 include extended 72-hour hurricane-force wind field forecasts, potential tropical cyclone advisories up to 72 hours before storm surge or tropical-storm-force winds, and storm surge flooding forecasts for Hawaiian counties.

Concerns have been raised about NOAA’s forecasting capabilities due to budget and staff cuts, including the loss of two Hurricane Hunter flight directors, potentially limiting data collection and forecast accuracy.

Fox Nation To Stream Live Debate With U-S Senators From PA

Fetterman, McCormick

U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) are set to debate in Boston on June 2, 2025, at 9 a.m., moderated by Fox News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream. The event, part of The Senate Project series, is hosted by the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate and the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation, organizations named after senators renowned for their bipartisan dealmaking. Launched in 2022, The Senate Project has held five debates to foster dialogue between senators of opposing parties.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports despite their contrasting political stances, Fetterman and McCormick have recently shown a cooperative spirit. They were scheduled to appear together with their wives, Gisele Fetterman and Dina Powell McCormick, to promote the McCormick's book on mentorship, Who Believed in You? However, the event was relocated to an undisclosed venue and later postponed due to planned protests. 

McCormick also publicly defended Fetterman against media scrutiny over his health and behavior, praising him as “authentic, decent, principled, and a fighter” in an X post, emphasizing their shared commitment to serving Pennsylvanians.

The debate will take place at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute before a live audience and will be streamed on Fox Nation.

FTC Probes Media Matters Over Musk's X Boycott Claims

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a civil investigative demand to Media Matters, seeking documents related to potential coordination with other media watchdogs, including the World Federation of Advertisers’ Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM), accused by Elon Musk of orchestrating advertiser boycotts against X. 

The demand, reported by Reuters Thursday, requests all documents Media Matters has produced or received in X’s ongoing lawsuits against the group and GARM, focusing on communications about advertiser boycotts following Musk’s 2022 acquisition of the platform, formerly Twitter.

The probe, led by FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, a Trump appointee, escalates scrutiny into whether groups like Media Matters, a Washington, D.C.-based liberal advocacy organization, collaborated to reduce ad spending on X. Ferguson previously signaled interest in investigating such boycotts, stating in December that the FTC must address “unlawful collusion” threatening platform competition. The U.S. House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Rep. Jim Jordan, also accused GARM of coordinating an illegal boycott, leading to GARM’s shutdown in August 2024.

Media Matters President Angelo Carusone called the probe an abuse of power by the Trump administration to silence critics, vowing to continue the group’s mission. The FTC and World Federation of Advertisers declined to comment. An investigative demand does not confirm wrongdoing, and not all FTC probes lead to enforcement.

X’s advertising revenue is projected to rise in 2025, per eMarketer, but remains below pre-Musk levels. X has sued Media Matters and GARM in Texas federal court, alleging defamation and illegal conspiracy to curb ad spending, respectively. Media Matters denies the claims, countersuing X for filing meritless lawsuits to punish its reporting on X’s ad placements near extremist content. The legal battles, ongoing in Texas and California, have cost Media Matters millions in defense.

FCC Commissioner Announces Resignation

FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks announced his resignation at Thursday’s open meeting, ending a nearly six-year term as the senior Democratic member. His departure leaves the FCC with a 2-1 Republican majority, with Anna Gomez as the only non-Republican commissioner.

“It’s been the role and honor of a lifetime,” said Starks, nominated by President Donald Trump and confirmed in early 2019. “If riding 5,000 miles in 10 days helps one family stay connected during tough times, I’m all in.” Starks highlighted his focus on affordable connectivity, national security, and digital equity, drawing from prior roles in the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, the U.S. Department of Justice, and private legal practice.

Colleagues lauded his bipartisan approach and legacy. “You leave an impressive public service legacy,” said FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, noting their collaboration on innovation and competition. Commissioner Nathan Simington praised Starks’ professionalism, while Commissioner Anna Gomez called him a supportive colleague whose leadership on connectivity and security significantly impacted the FCC.

Starks first signaled his resignation in March in a letter to President Trump and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, calling his FCC service the “honor of my life.” He pledged to continue his work until his departure. His exit follows former Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel’s, further shifting the FCC’s balance. Republican nominee Olivia Trusty awaits Senate confirmation, but some Democrats may oppose her unless a Democratic nominee is advanced to maintain agency balance.

YouTube Trying To Poach A Former Disney Executive

Walt Disney has filed a lawsuit against Alphabet's YouTube in Los Angeles state court to block the appointment of Justin Connolly as YouTube's global head of media and sports, announced Thursday.

Disney alleges breach of contract, unfair competition, and interference with contractual relations, claiming YouTube knew of Connolly’s employment agreement, which extends through March 1, 2027. Connolly signed a three-year contract in November 2024, with a one-time termination right until March 2027. Disney seeks preliminary and permanent injunctions to enforce the contract.

YouTube did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment. Connolly, a former ESPN and Disney executive of over 20 years, will oversee YouTube’s relationships with major media companies and its expanding live-sports portfolio. 

Justin Connolly

YouTube, competing with Netflix and Amazon, has aggressively pursued live sports, securing a $14 billion NFL streaming deal in 2022. The platform has also expanded into live TV, music, and podcasts, generating significant ad revenue. 

Connolly recently left his role as Disney’s head of platform distribution as the company prepares to launch its ESPN sports streaming platform.

The Athletic reports Disney’s claim is that it would be “extremely prejudicial to Disney” for Connelly to breach his existing contract with Disney and “switch teams” to the company “trying to poach him.”

Despite the suit, YouTube announced Connolly’s move internally on Thursday. YouTube holds a dominant position in the marketplace and last week formally announced its partnership with the NFL to be the exclusive broadcaster for an NFL regular-season game Week 1 in Brazil between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs, anticipated to smash the record for viewership of a streamed NFL game, set last December during Netflix’s dual Christmas games.

YouTube dominates video viewing time, extending from digital devices to the TV screen, where cumulative hours watched is nearly equal to Netflix and Disney+ combined. Streaming video accounted for nearly half of all TV and streaming minutes consumed in April 2025, per Nielsen data, with YouTube accounting for 12.4% of total TV and streaming minutes in the U.S.

Report: CBS Crisis..There's Chaos In Halls

CBS is in turmoil, with staff morale at an all-time low amid fears of mass layoffs, sparked by an $8.4 billion merger and a $20 billion lawsuit. 

According to The Daily Mail US, employees report a “bloodbath” atmosphere, with colleagues crying in hallways, clashing over story coverage and seating, and urgently updating resumes. The unrest spans from 60 Minutes to CBS Mornings, driven by Paramount Global’s plan to cut $500 million in costs ahead of a merger with Skydance Media, compounded by plummeting ratings.

A $20 billion lawsuit from President Donald Trump against 60 Minutes, alleging deceptive editing of a Kamala Harris interview, has deepened divisions. Speculation swirls about a potential $50 million settlement as the Trump administration reviews CBS’s broadcast license renewal. 

Scott Pelley

The sudden resignation of CEO Wendy McMahon on Monday, who cited disagreements over the company’s direction, has intensified the chaos. Her exit memo described her final months as “challenging” and signaled a need for new leadership, sending shockwaves through The Early Show and CBS Evening News.

Staff are whispering about who might be next, with rumors that CBS Mornings anchor Gayle King faces resistance to renewing her $10 million contract, set to expire in September, partly due to her participation in Blue Origin’s all-female spaceflight on April 2, which some view as damaging to the network’s brand.

Sources also suggest 60 Minutes host Scott Pelley may be on the chopping block. “It’s marquee name after marquee name,” a 60 Minutes staffer said, noting that internal conflicts and the spaceflight controversy have further eroded morale.

A representative for CBS News said the network 'doesn't comment on personnel matters'.

Diddy Trial: Rapper Kid Cudi Testifies About Cassie Abuse

The Sean "Diddy" Combs sex trafficking and racketeering trial in New York City featured testimony from several key witnesses, as reported by various sources covering the proceedings.

Kid Cudi: Rapper Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, testified about his relationship with Cassie Ventura, Combs' former girlfriend, and allegations of abuse. During his testimony, Mescudi stated that Ventura had confided in him about physical abuse she allegedly suffered from Combs, including that Combs would "hit her, sometimes kick her." However, he noted that Ventura did not mention sexual abuse. 

On cross-examination, defense attorney Brian Steel suggested that both Mescudi and Combs were "played" by Ventura, implying she manipulated both men. Mescudi responded casually to the defense's questioning, saying, “Yeah, no problem,” at the conclusion of cross-examination. His testimony was significant as it tied into Ventura’s earlier accounts of abuse and was anticipated to corroborate aspects of her narrative.

Mylah Morales: Morales, a makeup artist who met Ventura when she was 16, testified about an incident at the Beverly Hills Hotel where she witnessed Combs allegedly assault Ventura. Morales recounted waking up to commotion, hearing Combs angrily ask, “Where the f--- is she?” before entering a bedroom with Ventura. 

She testified to hearing “yelling and screaming” from the bedroom, after which Combs stormed out. Morales described seeing Ventura with a swollen eye, busted lip, and knots on her head, indicating physical assault. She took Ventura to her house for a few days to recover, and they never spoke of the incident again. This testimony provided direct evidence of alleged physical violence by Combs against Ventura.

Does Radio Or TV Most Influence Conversations?

Broadcast television, particularly local broadcast news, remains a powerful force in shaping American conversations, despite claims from connected TV and digital sectors suggesting its decline. 

TV Technology reports a national study by GfK/NIQ, commissioned by the Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB) and surveying over 4,000 people, highlights the enduring influence of local TV stations.

The TVB, representing U.S. local commercial TV stations, conducted the study to explore media’s role in driving conversations across diverse demographics, political affiliations, races, and ethnicities. The survey examined the influence of various media outlets and platform preferences, addressing key questions:

• 
  Which medium—TV, streaming, radio, social media, podcasts, or newspapers—most strongly drives conversations?
• How do people perceive news sources in terms of trust, believability, shareability, and fake news?
• How do media platforms shape political word-of-mouth?
• How influential are platforms for consumers considering products and services like automotive, healthcare, home improvement, legal services, fitness, restaurants, retail, and travel?
• Where do people prefer to watch sports—linear TV or streaming?

Findings show that 80% of respondents engage in daily conversations about topics covered by local broadcast TV newscasts, such as news, local and regional updates, weather, sports, traffic, and politics.

 

Local TV outpaces ad-supported streaming, social media, print, radio, podcasts, and direct mail as the leading driver of these discussions. Among digital platforms, local TV stations’ websites and apps were the most influential in sparking news-related conversations.

The study also confirmed broadcast TV as the primary news source, with respondents across key age groups, high-net-worth households, and consumer categories rating local broadcast news as the most trustworthy, believable, and shareable.

Pew: Majority View Trump Media Meddling As Troublesome

A Pew Research Center survey this year reveals 64% of U.S. adults view the Trump administration’s relationship with the news media negatively, with only 11% seeing it positively. Concerns about press freedom restrictions are rising, with 60% of Democrats now extremely or very concerned, up from 38% in 2024. Democrats are also increasingly likely to believe U.S. news outlets are heavily influenced by political interests.

Wendy McMahon

Just this week Wendy McMahon resigned as CEO of CBS News, amid tensions with President Donald Trump over a lawsuit claiming CBS deceptively edited a "60 Minutes" interview with Kamala Harris. 

The legal battle, seeking $20 billion, coincides with Paramount Global's merger with Skydance Media, which requires FCC approval. The FCC, led by Trump appointee Brendan Carr, is reviewing the merger and has linked its decision to CBS's handling of the interview and DEI policies.

While Wendy McMahon's departure was not explicitly a precondition for settling the Trump lawsuit or securing FCC approval of the Skydance Deal, it is part of a broader corporate strategy to navigate these challenges. The evidence suggests her exit aligns with efforts to settle the lawsuit and facilitate merger approval, amid ongoing FCC scrutiny and political influence.

McMahon's departure appears tied to corporate disagreements on handling the lawsuit. While not explicitly stated as a precondition, her exit aligns with efforts to navigate these challenges, reflecting internal pressures at CBS News.

The situation has sparked debate, with critics like FCC Democrat Anna Gomez suggesting independent journalism is being silenced . The FCC's scrutiny and Trump's influence add complexity, making McMahon's departure a pivotal moment in this ongoing saga.

Stephen A Smith Rips Jake Tapper

Sports Personality and Pundit Stephen A. Smith took a shot at CNN anchor Jake Tapper over revelations in his new book focusing on former President Biden’s mental decline toward the end of his presidency.

Smith argued Tapper “deserves” the criticism he is getting over the book, much of which questions what he knew about Biden’s mental state as he covered the former president’s final weeks in office.

“But why did, why did he deserve it? Here is why. You got the video of him talking to Lara Trump and how — how condescending he was to her, etc.” Smith said while appearing on NewsNation’s “Cuomo.”

“And I’m certainly not here to throw shade on him; I don’t play that game,” he continued. “I’m just talking about the facts. They are what they are, and we see it.”

Smith, a sports commentator who has dabbled in politics more recently, took issue with what he said has been Tapper’s attitude while promoting his new book, “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again,” written alongside Axios’s Alex Thompson.

Mark Packer Exits ESPN, ACC Network

Veteran sports broadcaster Mark Packer, known as “The Packman,” announced his retirement from ESPN and the ACC Network on Thursday, after a 30-year career in sports media. 

Mark Packer

Packer shared the news via social media, stating that his agent informed ESPN of his decision that morning, citing personal and professional challenges over the past three years as reasons for the timing. He expressed excitement for future endeavors, including traveling, writing, teaching, and living life fully, while thanking his supporters.

Packer was a key figure at the ACC Network since its launch in 2019. He co-hosted Packer and Durham, a weekday morning show from 7-10 a.m., with Wes Durham, broadcast from his basement studio in Charlotte, North Carolina. In August 2022, he transitioned to afternoons, co-hosting ACC PM with Taylor Tannebaum, which included on-campus broadcasts for ACC football weekends alongside analysts like EJ Manuel and Mark Richt.

Before ESPN, Packer hosted the highly popular PrimeTime with the Packman on WFNZ-AM in Charlotte from 1997 to 2010, a syndicated radio show that became the most listened-to sports talk show in the Carolinas. He later joined SiriusXM, hosting College Sports Today and Off Campus with Mark Packer on ESPNU Radio. Packer also founded Southern Fried Football, Inc., a company promoting college football through various media platforms, and Pack-Man Sports Productions, Inc.

Cincy Radio: NFL Bengals, iHM Extend Broadcast Deal

The NFL Bengals and iHeartMedia Cincinnati have extended the agreement to broadcast the team's games on radio through the 2028 NFL season.

The broadcasts will continue to be heard on one of the most powerful 'triple-casts' in the NFL, with a Flagship Station lineup of 700 WLW, 102.7 WEBN and ESPN 1530. The 50,000-watt ESPN 1530 and 102.7 WEBN serve as the broadcast flagship stations for all Bengals games. The 50 Kw 700 WLW will also carry all games for which there is no conflict with Cincinnati Reds baseball broadcasts.

In addition to airing games, iHeartMedia Cincinnati broadcasts Bengals weekly radio shows in season, including Bengals Line, Bengals Game Plan and Bengals Pep Rally, along with a weekly feature on KISS 107.1 with Bengals Team Reporter Marisa Contipelli and enhanced training camp coverage.

"iHeartMedia Cincinnati has been a great partner for many years, and we are excited to continue this relationship," said Bengals Chief Business Officer Brian Sells. "The strong station lineup provides a great platform to reach a large number of fans on gamedays and throughout the week."

"We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with the Cincinnati Bengals and bring fans every electrifying moment of NFL action," said iHeartMedia Division President DJ Hodge. "700 WLW, 102.7 WEBN and ESPN 1530 are the epicenter of Bengals Nation, and we look forward to delivering top-tier coverage and being the trusted home for Bengals football for years to come."

R.I.P. Mark Roberts, Former Pittsburgh Radio Personality

Mark Roberts (1948-2025)

Mark Roberts, a prominent Pittsburgh radio personality whose real name was Raymond Pekich, passed away on Wednesday at 77.

Roberts, from Monroeville, was a key figure at WTAE-AM from 1972 to 1985, serving as a disc jockey and administrator. 

On LinkedIn, he noted, "General Manager when I left in 1985," crediting his leadership and collaboration with Ted Atkins for transforming the station into the top-rated outlet for adults 25-54. He worked alongside notable talents like Larry O'Brien, John Garry, Chuck Brinkman, Don Berns, Bob Dearborn, Johnny Williams, Myron Cope, and Bob Kopler.

Before WTAE, Roberts worked at WIXY/WIXZ in McKeesport and later served as creative services director for Renda Broadcasting in Pittsburgh.

Retired KDKA-TV reporter Paul Martino honored Roberts on Facebook, writing, "Our dear friend has left this earth." Martino highlighted Roberts' service as vice president and national representative for the SAG-AFTRA Ohio-Pittsburgh Local board.

Radio History: May 23

Artie Shaw

➦In 1910...bandleader and clarinetist Artie Shaw, whose real name is Arthur Arshawsky, was born in New York City.

Shaw formed his first orchestra in 1936, and two years later had a double-sided million-seller with ”Begin the Beguine” and ”Indian Love Call.” Shaw is estimated to have sold more than 43- million copies of such records as ”Frenesi,” ”Summit Ridge Drive” and ”Dancing in the Dark.” Artie Shaw was married eight times — two of his wives were Lana Turner and Ava Gardner. Shaw later became an author and a theatrical producer, and again fronted a big band in 1980’s.

Shaw died December 30th, 2004 of natural causes, at age 94.

➦In 1922..the first debate to be heard on US radio was broadcast on WJH in Washington, DC. The two debaters argued about the topic of Daylight Saving Time with the audience acting as the judge.

➦In 1922...Seattle radio station KOL first signed on. The station is now known as KKOL 1330 AM, having surrendered the heritage 3-letter call sign in 1975 when it briefly became KMPS.  Today, the station airs ethnic programming.

Wilbur Nelson

➦In 1926...Christian broadcaster, Wilbur Nelson, was born. Best known as host of "The Morning Chapel Hour".  He was  pioneer religious broadcaster, who founded the nationally syndicated daily radio ministry, The Morning Chapel Hour, in March of 1944.  Nelson died August 23, 2003 at age 92.

➦In 1928..1940-50’s pop singer Rosemary Clooney was born in Maysville, Kentucky. While still in high school, she and her younger sister Betty began performing on Cincinnati radio station WLW. Bandleader Tony Pastor heard them, and soon the sisters were singing, in person and on record, with the Pastor orchestra. After Betty tired of the road, Rosemary began a solo career. She signed with Columbia Records, and in 1951 had her first number-one hit, “Come On-A My House.”  Her other hits included “Hey There,” “Tenderly” and “This Ole House.”

She died of lung cancer at the age of 74 on June 29th, 2002.

➦In 2005...Baltimore newsman Bob Lopez died from Lung Cancer. He had been part of the WIYY-FM (98 Rock) morning show for 27 years.

Bob Lopez

He was known for his humor, thoughtful opinions, and dogged liberal views.

For the last part of his career, he was part of the "Kirk, Mark & Lopez" or "KML" morning show, along with Kirk McEwen and Mark Ondayko, with whom he worked for seven years. He also hosted the Sunday Lopez, a Sunday morning talk show where he discussed politics and listeners called in to express their views.

Lopez was diagnosed with lung cancer in February 2004, having been a smoker for several decades, starting at age 12.  He died at the age of 52.

➦In 2012...Harold Baron Jackson died at age 96 (Born - November 3, 1915). He  was a personality and radio executive who broke a number of color barriers in American broadcasting.