Radio History: June 8

➦In 1947...Lassie debuted on ABC radio. It was a 15-minute radio juvenile adventure program. It was broadcast on ABC from June 8, 1947 until May 30, 1948, and on NBC from June 5, 1948, until May 27, 1950.

➦In 1967...The Beatles thematic album 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' quickly climbed to number one after being released just a week earlier. It was their 8th studio album and spent 15 weeks at number one in the U-S.  In the U-K,  the album went to #1 after just one week, where it remained for an incredible 27 weeks. It was the first album to print the lyrics on the sleeve.

It was lauded by critics for its innovations in production, songwriting and graphic design, for bridging a cultural divide between popular music and high art, and for providing a musical representation of its generation and the contemporary counterculture. It won four Grammy Awards in 1968, including Album of the Year, the first rock LP to receive this honor.

➤In 1988...Billboard Blast From The Past....

➦In 2011…Former Detroit Tigers outfielder and broadcaster Jim Northrup died of complications from Alzheimer's disease at age 71.

Chuck Negron is 83

🎂HAPPY BIRTHDAYS:

• Singer Nancy Sinatra is 85. 
• Singer Chuck Negron (Three Dog Night) is 83. 
• Singer Boz Scaggs is 81. 
• Actor Kathy Baker (“Picket Fences”) is 75. 
• Actor Sonia Braga is 75. 
• Singer Bonnie Tyler is 74. 
• Actor Griffin Dunne is 70. 
• “Dilbert” cartoonist Scott Adams is 68. 
• Actor-director Keenan Ivory Wayans is 67. 
• Singer Mick Hucknall of Simply Red is 65. 
• Keyboardist Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran is 63. 
• Singer Doris Pearson of Five Star is 59. 
• Actor Julianna Margulies (“The Good Wife,” ″ER”) is 58. 
• Actor Dan Futterman (“Judging Amy”) is 58. 
• Actor David Sutcliffe (“Private Practice,” “Gilmore Girls”) is 56. 
• Actor Kent Faulcon (“Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse”) is 55. 
• Singer Nicci Gilbert of Brownstone is 55. 
• Actor Kelli Williams (“The Practice”) is 55. 
• Actor Mark Feuerstein (“West Wing,” ″Good Morning, Miami”) is 54. 
• Guitarist Mike Scheuchzer of MercyMe is 50. 
• Actor Eion Bailey (“Once Upon a Time”) is 49. 
• Rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West) is 48. 
• TV personality Maria Menounos is 47 
• Singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson is 47. 
• Guitarist Derek Trucks (Allman Brother Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band) is 46. 
• Singer Alex Band of The Calling is 44. 
• Fiddler Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek is 44. 
• Actor Torrey DeVitto (“Pretty Little Liars”) is 41.

✞REMEMBRANCES

• In 1982..Satchel Paige, American Baseball HOF pitcher (6 x Negro League, 2 x MLB All Star; World Series 1948 Cleveland Indians), dies of a heart attack at 75
• In 2001..Nathaniel Rochester, American computer scientist (chief architect of the IBM 701), dies at 82
• In 2010..Crispian St. Peters [Robin Peter Smith], British pop singer (The Pied Piper; No No No), dies at 71
• In 2020..2020 Bonnie Pointer, American pop and R&B singer (The Pointer Sisters - "Jump"; "I'm So Excited"), dies at 69
• In 2023..Pat Robertson, American Baptist televangelist (700 Club), media mogul (CBN), and politician (Presidential candidate-R-1989), dies at 93

Appeals Court Rules Trump Can Bar The AP From Public Events

A U.S. appeals court ruled that President Donald Trump can, for now, bar The Associated Press (AP) from certain White House media events, such as those in the Oval Office and on Air Force One. 

The decision paused a lower court ruling by U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden, who had ordered the Trump administration to restore AP’s access, citing a First Amendment violation. 

The conflict arose after the AP refused to adopt Trump’s executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America,” leading to restrictions on AP journalists’ access to limited-space events since mid-February 2025.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, in a 2-1 decision written by Judge Neomi Rao and joined by Judge Gregory Katsas (both Trump appointees), argued that the White House has discretion over access to “restricted presidential spaces” and that these spaces don’t fall under First Amendment protections.

They suggested the White House was likely to prevail in the ongoing lawsuit. Circuit Judge Cornelia Pillard dissented, stating the ruling undermines the role of a free press in democracy.

The AP’s lawsuit, filed in February 2025, argued that the restrictions were retaliation for its editorial choice to continue using “Gulf of Mexico” in its stylebook, which influences global journalism standards.

The White House also shifted control of the press pool from the White House Correspondents’ Association to itself, favoring conservative outlets and limiting access for wire services like Reuters and Bloomberg. Critics, including the AP and press freedom groups, called this a violation of free speech, while the administration claimed it was expanding access to new media.

The appeals court’s ruling is temporary, pending further legal proceedings, and the AP continues to cover larger White House briefings but faces ongoing barriers to smaller, high-access events.

Nashville Radio: Jesse James Named New Morning Host at WKDF

WKDF (103.3 Country) in Nashville Friday announced Jesse James as its new morning host, taking over from The Big D & Bubba Show, which has shifted to sister station WSM-FM (95.5).

James, previously hosting mornings at Cumulus-owned KUBL (93.3 The Bull) in Salt Lake City, brings a strong connection with Cumulus VP/Country and WKDF Program Director Travis Dailey. His radio career includes stints at FM 106.1 Milwaukee, 92.5 The Wolf Denver, Y100 San Antonio, and Big 98.7 Fargo.

The change coincides with a broader realignment at both WKDF and WSM-FM. WSM-FM recently dropped its "NASH Icon" branding, hinting at a potential format or imaging shift, though some branding elements linger on its website. The station’s Facebook page now features a new logo.

WSM-FM’s weekday lineup is also evolving. Lucas Phelan, formerly Assistant Program Director and afternoon host at WKHX (New Country 101-Five) in Atlanta, has joined for middays, while Tyler Reese has moved from WKDF to WSM-FM. Longtime WSM-FM hosts Lisa Manning, Marty McFly, and Stew James have departed amid the reshuffle.

The new morning show on WSM-FM (95.5) features The Big D & Bubba Show, syndicated by Compass Media Networks, airing weekdays from 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM and weekends from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Hosted by Derek “Big D” Haskins and Sean “Bubba” Powell, the show moved from WKDF, where it had been the morning staple since October 2021. 

Known for its humorous and relatable content, the show includes silly phone calls, celebrity interviews, games, and conversations, offering a “fun, chubby, best radio-friend refuge” for listeners. Big D and Bubba, based in Nashville for over 18 years, have a strong country music connection, having won the Academy of Country Music’s National Personalities of the Year in 2007, 2014, 2022, and 2024, and the Country Music Association’s National Personalities of the Year in 2015. The show, syndicated on approximately 120 country stations, is also broadcast globally via the American Forces Network.

Diddy's Ex Breaks Down in Tears Describing 'Hotel Nights'

The second woman who prosecutors have said was sex trafficked by Sean "Diddy" Combs resumed her testimony at his trial on Friday, June 6, telling jurors that when she told him she was getting tired during drug-fueled marathon sex sessions with male escorts, he would tell her, “You’re not getting tired on me, are you?"

The woman, using the pseudonym "Jane," testified that Combs would also tell her, "Let's finish strong," and would supply her with Ecstasy that would help her stay awake during the encounters — some of which, she said, lasted more than 24 hours and could go on for multiple "rounds." She said the longest one lasted three or three and a half days. 

Asked by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey who decided when an encounter would end, Jane, appearing visibly emotional, responded, "Sean."

Jane said Combs called the encounters "debauchery" or "hotel nights," and would masturbate during them. Those encounters closely resemble what his former girlfriend Casandra "Cassie" Ventura testified that the music mogul would call "freak offs." Both women said they would try to rush through the encounters to get them over with. Jane said she performed the hotel nights for the time she would have alone with Combs afterward. Prosecutors have said Combs used threats and violence against both women to force them to participate in the encounters.

Jane testified that the male escorts Combs would hire to have sex with her would ejaculate on her body, at his request, and that after that, she and Combs would have sex. After hotel nights were over, she said she and Combs would go to his house, where she would cook for him, give him massages, make sure he showered and put on his favorite television show.

Jane, a single mother, said she made money as an influencer on social media when she met Combs and that she grew financially dependent on Combs as their relationship progressed. She said she agreed to participate in a hotel night for the first time in May 2021, believing it would be a one-time thing — but that it grew to dominate their relationship.

Jane said she dated Combs from 2021 until September, when he was arrested on sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges, which he has pleaded not guilty to.

Fox News Clips Win Big On YouTube

In May 2025, Fox News Channel dominated YouTube, securing the top spot among news brands with an impressive 362 million video views, outpacing both broadcast and cable competitors. 

This performance contributed to Fox News Media's broader digital success, achieving 1.08 billion total social video views for the month. 

The newly launched Fox News Clips platform also made a strong debut, drawing nearly 30 million views in its first month on YouTube, offering the latest reporting and analysis from the network. 

By comparison, according to the latest figures from analytics firm Emplifi, MSNBC, a YouTube juggernaut, finished the month with 298 million views, lagging Fox News by more than 65 million. CNN followed with 195 million while ABC and NBC trailed with 113 million and 110 million views, respectively, while CBS News failed to crack 55 million. The New York Times brought in just 13 million.

Fox News also saw a 98% year-over-year increase in YouTube views, reflecting its growing emphasis on the platform. This digital success aligns with Fox News Channel’s linear TV dominance, where it averaged 2.46 million primetime viewers in May, up 23% from the previous year, while competitors like MSNBC and CNN saw significant declines

2025 Radio Mercury Award Winners Are Announced

Audacy's 94.7 The Block Shelley Wade Morning Show's
Medha Gandhi with Verizon's Rachel Chan

Winners of the 2025 Radio Mercury Awards were announced this evening at the 34th annual awards presentation held at SONY Hall in New York. The awards show was also live streamed, courtesy of Hubbard Radio. This year’s Best of Show award was presented to Highdive Advertising for their “Bike Race (Sub Bowls: No Bread)” radio commercial for their client, Jersey Mike’s.

"This was another great year of celebrating excellence in radio creative,” said Mike Hulvey, president and chief executive officer, RAB and chair of the Radio Creative Fund. “This year’s finalists, and especially the winners reflect the integration of strong storytelling and insightful brand messaging, and the power of the craft and medium."

"What really stood out to me during this year’s show was the simplicity of the storytelling that drove the messages home," said Chad Broude, co-founder/co-chief creative officer, Highdive Advertising and Radio Mercury Awards chief judge.

On behalf of the radio industry, this year’s Radio Marketer of the Year award was presented to Verizon. Medha Gandhi, co-host, Elvis Duran and the Morning Show and Shelley Wade, afternoon host, Audacy’s New York City’s 94.7 The Block, honored the group and bestowed the award to Rachel Chan, senior director, media strategy & activation, Verizon. Hulvey noted, “Verizon’s unwavering commitment to radio as a lead channel has made a lasting impact, proving that radio-driven fandom is a successful approach to tap into the passions and behaviors that matter most to their customers.”

The ceremony included the following on-air personalities as the event’s presenters: Medha Gandhi, co-host, Elvis Duran and the Morning Show; MacKenzie Hart, associate creative director, copy, Ogilvy, NY; Larry Mullins, anchor, Audacy’s 1010WINS Afternoon Drive; Shelley Wade, afternoon host, Audacy’s New York City’s 94.7 The Block and Erik Zachary, host, XYZ with Erik Zachary.

This year’s sponsors included livestream sponsor Hubbard Radio, Beasley Media Group, Bonneville International, Cumulus Media, Katz Radio Group, Nueva Network, Xperi, Audacy, Sound & Fury, World Wide Wadio, iHeartMedia, Nielsen, Skyview Networks, Triton Digital, Urban Radio - Radio One, Zimmer Radio and Marketing Group and Miller Kaplan.

To listen to all the winners at tonight’s ceremony, go to https://www.radiomercuryawards.com.

Charlamagne Tha God Questions KPJ's Credibility

Radio host Charlamagne Tha God Thursday expressed skepticism about former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s credibility while discussing her upcoming book on his show. Jean-Pierre, who announced on Wednesday that she is registering as an independent, is set to release Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines, detailing her experience in the Biden administration.

KJP

Jean-Pierre, a longtime Democratic operative, stated, “Until January 20, I spoke for the President of the United States. At noon that day, I became a private citizen, like all Americans, grappling with our country’s future. The dangers we face require us to break free from partisan boxes and think creatively.”

Charlamagne, known for critiquing both political parties, praised her independent stance, saying, “I respect her going independent. If you’re Black in this country, you shouldn’t be loyal to any party. Vote for your interests, for politicians pushing policies that benefit your community.” He added, “Neither party has done enough for us to claim ‘Republican’ or ‘Democrat,’ so independent is the way to go.” However, he tempered his enthusiasm by questioning Jean-Pierre’s credibility, though he expressed willingness to read her book.

Miami Radio: FCC Fines Pirate $2.3M

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has imposed a $2,391,097 fine on Fabrice Polynice, alias DJ Paz, for illegally operating "Radio Touche Douce" on 90.1 MHz in North Miami, Florida. The FCC documented 22 days of unauthorized broadcasts from February 5 to March 5, 2023, marking Polynice’s latest violation in a decade-long pattern of pirate radio activity.

The FCC emphasized that unlicensed operations violate the Communications Act, disrupt licensed stations, and jeopardize public safety by interfering with critical communications, including Emergency Alert System messages. Despite prior fines in 2013 and 2018—both unpaid—and a U.S. Marshals’ seizure of his equipment, Polynice continued broadcasting. 

He admitted the violations but requested a reduced penalty, citing financial hardship, which the FCC rejected due to his repeated and deliberate infractions.

Authorized by the PIRATE Act, which strengthened penalties for pirate radio, the fine was capped at $2,391,097, though the FCC initially calculated a higher penalty of over $2.6 million. Polynice has 30 days from the January 25, 2024, order to pay or face further action from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Radio History: June 7

Martin & Lewis

➦In 1917...singer/comedian/actor Dean Martin was born in Steubenville Ohio.

He was one of the most famous music artists in the 1950s and 1960s. Playboy magazine later called Martin “the coolest man who ever lived.” He & Jerry Lewis began as a team in movies & on NBC radio in the late ’40’s, and did TV together in the early 50’s, but split in 1956.  He became a big TV star with NBC’s Dean Martin Show (1965-74) and his Celebrity Roasts (’73-’84.)

He succumbed to lung cancer Christmas Day 1995 at age 78.

➦In 1932..WLW 700 AM Cincinnati was authorized to experiment with a power of 500,000 watts at 700 khz.  In January 1934, WLW began broadcasting with 500,000 watts after midnight under the experimental call sign W8XO. In April 1934 the station was authorized to operate at 500,000 watts during regular hours using the WLW call letters. On May 2, 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ceremonially pressed the same golden telegraph key that Wilson had used to open the Panama Canal, officially launching WLW's 500-kilowatt signal.

As the first station in the world to broadcast at this strength, WLW received numerous complaints from around the United States and Canada that it was interfering with other stations, most notably from CFRB, then on 690 kHz, in Toronto, Ontario. In December 1934, WLW was instructed to cut back to 50 kilowatts at night until it had eliminated the interference. The station began construction of two shorter towers 1850 feet southwest from the main tower in order to create a directional antenna, which successfully reduced the signal broadcast towards Canada. With these antenna towers in place, full-time broadcasting at 500 kilowatts resumed in early 1935. However, WLW was continuing to operate under special temporary authority that had to be renewed every six months; each renewal brought complaints about interference, and undue domination of the market, by such a high-power station.

After complaints of signal interference and years of controversy the extra power was rescinded in 1939.

➦In 1945...an NBC radio summer replacement show The Adventures of Topper aired for the first time. Roland Young reprised his title role from the 1937 movie of the same name. Eight years later the program would move to TV with a different cast and become a big hit.

➦In 1955...NBC radio presented The Lux Radio Theatre for the final time. The program had aired for 21 years, most of them on CBS.

➦In 1959…KLX-AM, Oakland, California changed its call letters to KEWB-AM (now KNEW 960 AM).

➦In 1965... KNX 1070 AM personality Bob Crane told his L-A audience he was leaving the show to star in a new TV series “Hogan’s Heroes.” Crane said he had been considering offers for years.

The Bromance Is Over: Musk Calls Trump 'Ungrateful'

Key Points

• Tensions between Trump and Musk escalated, marked by public insults and the rupturing of their relationship.
• Musk criticizes Trump’s tax bill for expanding deficits, despite Trump’s attempts to defend the legislation.
• Trump suggests Musk suffers from ‘Trump derangement syndrome’ after Musk’s criticism of the bill

Long-simmering tensions between President Trump and Elon Musk exploded into public view, shattering a once-crucial alliance in American politics. The two traded sharp insults, with Trump addressing Musk’s attacks on his signature tax bill for the first time, accusing him of “Trump derangement syndrome” and linking his frustration to provisions repealing electric vehicle tax credits, critical to Musk’s company, Tesla, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer. 

“He only developed the problem because he knew we had to cut the EV mandate,” Trump said in the Oval Office. He also suggested Musk was upset over the withdrawal of a key ally’s nomination to lead NASA.

Musk, who poured hundreds of millions into Trump’s re-election, fired back on social media, calling Trump ungrateful and claiming his support secured the presidency. Trump, however, dismissed Musk’s role, stating, “I think I would have won Pennsylvania anyway,” as White House chief of staff Susie Wiles nodded emphatically.

The feud could reshape their futures. Musk, musing about launching a new political party and rallying Republicans to his side, saw Tesla shares slip. Trump threatened to slash government subsidies and contracts for Musk’s businesses, escalating the stakes.

Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025

For months, their partnership had been a marriage of convenience, according to The Wall  Street Journal, with Musk wielding significant influence as a White House adviser leading the Department of Government Efficiency. Despite private tensions, they publicly lauded each other until Musk’s escalating criticism of the tax and spending bill—particularly its EV provisions—made their alliance untenable, according to sources close to both.
Trump remarked that Musk, once intimately familiar with the bill’s details, had shifted his stance after stepping down as an adviser. 

“Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody here,” he said, underscoring the depth of their rift.

Musk-Trump Feud Triggers Tesla Stock Plunge

The highly publicized clash between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, one of the most influential figures in American business and politics, sent shockwaves through financial markets, significantly impacting Tesla’s stock price and Musk’s personal wealth. According to Forbes’ real-time Billionaires tracker, Musk’s net worth plummeted by $26.6 billion in a single day, reducing his fortune to $380.3 billion as of Thursday afternoon.

Despite this loss, Musk remains the world’s richest individual, maintaining a nearly $150 billion lead over Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the second-wealthiest person. The dramatic drop was driven by a 14.26% decline in Tesla’s stock price, marking the company’s second-largest single-day drop since the market turmoil of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. As shown in the finance card above, Tesla closed at $284.683 per share, down from a previous day’s close of $332.05, reflecting a week-long slide of over 20%.

The catalyst for this financial upheaval was a war of words between Musk and Trump, which unfolded across social media and public statements. The feud centered on Trump’s signature legislative proposal, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a tax and spending package aimed at reducing federal expenditure while extending tax cuts. Musk, who had recently stepped down as co-head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), publicly lambasted the bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination” in posts on X, the social media platform he owns, earlier in the week. These remarks marked a sharp departure from the previously cordial relationship between the two, who had collaborated closely during Musk’s tenure advising the White House.

Connoisseur Makes Two Leadership Promotions

Connoisseur Media has announced significant leadership transitions, as it gears up to integrate a portfolio of stations acquired from Alpha Media. These changes, effective June 9, 2025, are strategically designed to bolster the company’s operational efficiency, ensure a seamless acquisition process, and support its ambitious growth trajectory. The moves reflect Connoisseur’s commitment to leveraging experienced leadership to maintain its reputation for community-focused broadcasting while expanding its market presence.

Kristin Okesson

Kristin Okesson, currently Senior Vice President and Market Manager for Connoisseur’s Connecticut operations, will take on an expanded role, assuming oversight of the company’s Long Island stations in addition to her existing responsibilities. Okesson, a seasoned industry veteran, brings a wealth of expertise in suburban New York radio markets. Her track record includes driving audience growth, streamlining operations, and fostering strong relationships with both clients and local communities. Her leadership in Connecticut has been marked by innovative programming and robust community engagement initiatives, making her a natural fit to guide the Long Island stations into Connoisseur’s next chapter. Okesson’s expanded role will involve aligning the Long Island stations with Connoisseur’s brand identity, emphasizing local content and advertiser partnerships while navigating the competitive New York media landscape.

David Bevins

David Bevins, Connoisseur’s Chief Operating Officer, will transition from managing Long Island operations—a role he has held for the past five years alongside his corporate duties—to focusing on broader strategic initiatives. Bevins will spearhead the integration of Alpha Media’s stations into Connoisseur’s portfolio, a critical task as the company expands its footprint. His new focus will include overseeing operational synergies, aligning programming strategies, and ensuring a smooth transition for staff, listeners, and advertisers across the newly acquired stations. Bevins’ extensive experience in operational leadership and his deep understanding of Connoisseur’s markets position him to drive the company’s strategic vision during this pivotal growth phase.

The leadership changes come as Connoisseur Media prepares to absorb stations from Alpha Media, a move that strengthens its position in the radio industry.

Jeff Warshaw, CEO of Connoisseur Media, expressed confidence in the leadership team, stating, “These changes reflect our trust in Kristin and David to steer Connoisseur through an exciting period of growth. Their forward-thinking approach, combined with a deep commitment to our communities and clients, embodies the values that define our company. As we welcome Alpha Media’s stations into our family, Kristin’s expertise in market management and David’s strategic oversight will ensure we continue to deliver exceptional radio experiences while expanding our footprint.”

Paramount Faces Risk If Skydance Deal Craters

Rob McDowell, a former FCC Commissioner and current partner at Cooley LLP, has issued a stark warning about the precarious future of Paramount Global should its proposed $8 billion merger with Skydance Media fail to materialize. 

Speaking at Gabelli Funds’ 17th Annual Media & Sports Symposium in New York, McDowell described Paramount as a “melting ice cube” if the deal collapses, signaling potential erosion of its market value and strategic viability without a swift resolution.

According to The Wrap, Paramount Global’s executives have projected that the $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, announced earlier in 2025, is slated to close in the first half of the year, pending regulatory approval from the FCC. The review is critical due to the required transfer of Paramount’s broadcast licenses, which include CBS television stations. 

The merger aims to bolster Paramount’s position in a competitive media landscape by combining its extensive portfolio—spanning CBS, Paramount Pictures, and streaming service Paramount+—with Skydance’s production expertise, known for hits like Top Gun: Maverick.

However, the deal faces significant uncertainty, exacerbated by legal and political complications. Rich Greenfield, an analyst at LightShed Partners, recently expressed growing concern that the merger could unravel, citing Paramount’s “paralysis by legal fears” stemming from a $20 billion lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against CBS and 60 Minutes. 

The Trump lawsuit has introduced a complex political dimension to the merger. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday, that Paramount offered to settle the lawsuit for $15 million, an amount Trump rejected, reportedly demanding at least $25 million and a public apology from CBS. 

Settlement negotiations have raised alarms among lawmakers, with members of Congress and the California State Senate warning that any deal to secure FCC approval for the Skydance merger could violate federal anti-bribery laws. Such concerns stem from fears that Paramount might leverage settlement concessions to curry favor with the Trump administration, which holds sway over FCC decisions.

McDowell’s “melting ice cube” metaphor underscores the risk that prolonged delays or a failed merger could diminish Paramount’s value, leaving it vulnerable in a rapidly consolidating media industry. He further posed critical questions about Paramount’s future: “If this is not the deal for Paramount, then it’s a melting ice cube. What would be the next price? Who would be the next buyer?”

Cancer Diagnosis For Shari Redstone REVEALED

Shari Redstone

Shari Redstone, 71, chair and controlling shareholder of Paramount Global, is battling thyroid cancer amid a high-stakes fight over her media empire’s future and a lawsuit from President Trump against CBS, her company’s news division.

Diagnosed this spring after experiencing fatigue, Redstone underwent surgery last month to remove her thyroid gland. However, some cancer cells, which had spread to her vocal cords, could not be fully removed, according to her spokeswoman, Molly Morse. 

Redstone is now undergoing radiation treatment but maintains an excellent prognosis, Morse added.

Despite her health challenges, Redstone remains active in her professional and philanthropic roles, including the recent appointment of three new Paramount board members. Paramount Global, which includes television stations, streaming platforms, and a movie studio, continues to navigate complex legal and political challenges.

The SAS, Michelle Beadle Feud Dates Back To 2014

The feud between Stephen A. Smith and Michelle Beadle over Smith’s new SiriusXM gig centers on a contentious timeslot change announced on June 4, 2025, that reignited a decade-long personal and professional rift. Below is a detailed account of the feud, incorporating the context of their history and the recent SiriusXM shakeup, with a focus on their public exchange of words.

The animosity between Stephen A. Smith and Michelle Beadle dates back to 2014, when both were at ESPN. 

The conflict began when Smith, on First Take, commented on the NFL’s two-game suspension of Ray Rice for domestic violence, suggesting that women might play a role in “provoking” such acts. He stated, “We know you have no business putting your hands on a woman,” but added that people should consider “what you might do to provoke” abuse. 

Beadle, who had experienced an abusive relationship, publicly criticized Smith on Twitter (now X), writing, “So I was just forced to watch this morning’s First Take. A) I’ll never feel clean again B) I’m now aware that I can provoke my own beating.” 

Her remarks sparked a public spat, with Smith issuing a series of tweets apologizing and clarifying his intent, though he stood by his broader point about considering all factors. ESPN suspended Smith for a week, from July 29 to August 6, 2014, and he later called the incident the “most egregious error” of his career on First Take. Beadle, however, remained unforgiving, later stating, “I don’t respect him."

This week Stephen A. Smith announced on The Howard Stern Show that he would join SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio with two new shows, including a daily sports talk show from 1-3 p.m. ET starting September 2, 2025. This show directly replaced the timeslot of Beadle & Decker, hosted by Michelle Beadle and Cody Decker, which had aired from 12-3 p.m. ET for two years since August 2023. 

Beadle and Decker were blindsided, learning of the change through a Hollywood Reporter article rather than from SiriusXM management, who gave them only a few hours’ notice and initially withheld details, including Smith’s involvement.

During their June 4, 2025, show, Beadle expressed her frustration, opening with, “Welcome to the Lame Duck and Who Knew? show here,” as Decker shouted “fired” in the background. She called the situation “a little embarrassing,” noting, “I’ve been in this business for 20-plus years. I’ve been treated poorly a couple times. This didn’t feel good, I’m not gonna lie.”

Tensions Flare, Judge Almost Kicks Diddy Out of Courtroom

The ongoing sex trafficking trial of hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs in Manhattan federal court took a dramatic turn as a former girlfriend, testifying under the pseudonym Jane to protect her identity, delivered explosive allegations. 

Jane, a model and social media influencer, recounted how Combs coerced her into sexual encounters with other men and threatened to withhold rent payments when she resisted. Her testimony, part of the trial’s fourth week, marks her as the third woman to accuse Combs of sexual abuse on the stand, intensifying scrutiny on the music icon who faces potential life imprisonment if convicted on charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

Jane, who dated Combs from 2021 to 2024, described a disturbing pattern in their relationship. She testified that five months into their romance, in May 2021, she initially felt “exhilarated” participating in a sexual encounter with a male escort in Combs’ presence. However, what she believed would be a one-time event became a recurring demand, occurring in approximately 90% of her meetings with Combs. These encounters, which she and Combs referred to as “debauchery” or “hotel nights,” echoed descriptions of “Freak Offs” detailed by another ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, in earlier testimony.

The trial’s intensity escalated when U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian admonished Combs for his courtroom conduct. 

The rebuke underscored the trial’s high stakes and Combs’ apparent struggle to maintain composure amid mounting allegations.

NYC Radio WOR Adds 'FOX Across America' With Jimmy Failla

In a move to strengthen its programming and appeal to New York’s diverse tri-state audience, iHeartMedia New York’s 710 WOR has announced it will add FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla to its nightly lineup, effective Monday June 9, 2025. 

The syndicated talk show, hosted by former New York City cab driver turned media personality Jimmy Failla, will air weeknights from 9:00 p.m. to midnight ET. 

Known for blending sharp political commentary with humor and relatability, Failla’s addition to the iconic AM news/talk station marks a homecoming for the Long Island native, who once tuned into WOR while navigating the city’s streets.

FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla is a nationally syndicated radio show broadcast on nearly 200 stations, offering a mix of political analysis, cultural commentary, and lighthearted humor. Failla, a rising star in conservative media, also hosts FOX News Saturday Night on FOX News Channel, where his comedic style and everyman perspective resonate with viewers. His journey from a cab driver to a prominent media figure adds authenticity to his commentary, often rooted in his experiences engaging with New Yorkers from all walks of life.

Tom Cuddy, Program Director for 710 WOR, expressed enthusiasm about Failla’s arrival, highlighting his appeal to the station’s audience. “Known for his sharp wit, fearless takes, and refreshing lightness in the political world, we are delighted to welcome Jimmy to the WOR family and to be heard in his hometown,” Cuddy said. 

For Failla, joining 710 WOR is a deeply personal milestone. Reflecting on his days as a cab driver, he said, “As a former NYC cab driver who spent all day listening to WOR, the idea of joining this iconic station feels like something straight out of a movie. Hopefully I don’t get as many red-light tickets this time around.” 

WaPo Admits To Faulty Reporting

The Washington Post has issued a correction for a story claiming Israeli soldiers killed 31 civilians in Gaza attempting to collect aid at a US-run site. 

In a Tuesday X post, WaPo admitted it could not verify the Sunday report, headlined: “At least 31 people were killed Sunday morning in southern Gaza, according to the Strip’s Health Ministry, when Israeli troops opened fire on crowds making their way to collect aid.”

WaPo acknowledged the article failed to clarify whether the deaths were attributed to Israel by the Gaza Health Ministry or verified by The Post. It also gave insufficient weight to Israel’s denial and overstated certainty about Israel’s role. “The early version fell short of Post standards of fairness and should not have been published in that form,” the correction stated.

The updated story still reports 31 Palestinians killed while seeking aid at an Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation site, citing local health officials and medics, but now includes the Israel Defense Forces’ denial of involvement and the GHF’s rejection of “fabricated” claims. The GHF stated, “All aid was distributed today without incident. No injuries or fatalities,” alleging Hamas spread false reports, per Fox News.

Fox News, citing the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, reported over 175 Palestinians wounded and at least 26 killed on Sunday. The International Committee of the Red Cross hospital in Rafah reported a “mass casualty influx” of 179 cases, per the BBC. UN Secretary-General Guterres, in an X post, called the deaths “appalling,” urging an immediate, independent investigation and accountability for perpetrators.

Radio History: June 6

➦In 1938...NBC radio introduced two melodramatic soaps to the daytime airwaves, Stella Dallas and Young Widder Brown, both produced by Frank & Anne Hummert.  Stella Dallas, “the true to life story of mother love and sacrifice,” continued in 15 minute radio bursts until 1955.  ‘Brown’ outlasted it by a year.

Radio soap opera titan Frank Hummert became a partner in a Chicago advertising agency, where in 1930 Anne Ashenshurst was hired as a copywriter and assistant to Hummert.  Together, both before and after their 1935 wedding, Anne & Frank developed and supervised the production of early daytime radio dramas Just Plain Bill, Ma Perkins, Skippy, Backstage Wife and Young Widder Brown.  They later produced Amanda of Honeymoon Hill, Front Page Farrell, John’s Other Wife, Little Orphan Annie, Judy and Jane, Mr. Chameleon, and Our Gal Sunday.   The Hummerts also had longrunning prime time success with Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons, Waltz Time and The American Album of Familiar Music.

Larry Lujack

➦In 1940...Superjock Larry Lee Blankenburg a.k.a Larry Lujack was born in 1940 in Quasqueton, Iowa, and reared in Caldwell, Idaho. At 18 he joined KCID-AM in Caldwell, adopting the surname of his idol, the Chicago Bears quarterback Johnny Lujack.

After working at stations in Idaho and Washington State, Mr. Lujack joined WCFL in 1967 and moved to WLS four months later. Except for a four-year stint back at WCFL, he remained with WLS for the next two decades.

In 1984 WLS gave Lujack a 12-year, $6 million contract, making him one of the country’s highest-paid radio personalities. (“I am not the least bit excited,” he was reported to have said.) But in 1987, amid declining ratings, the station’s corporate parent, Capital Cities-ABC, bought out his contract.

His honors include membership in the Illinois Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame (“It’s not Mount Rushmore,” he said on learning of his induction) and the National Radio Hall of Fame.

He passed away December 18, 2013.

➦In  1944….Radio covered first news of the Allies’ D-Day Invasion…

William Wright Bryan, a former editor of the Atlanta Journal was the first World War II correspondent to broadcast an eyewitness account of D-Day.  He was the newspaper's managing editor, war correspondent and an NBC radio stringer when he became the first newsman to give a report on the D-Day invasion of France on June 6, 1944.

He covered the invasion from a transport plane dropping airborne troops. When the plane flew back to London, Bryan went on the air and made his broadcast immediately after a one-sentence announcement by the Allied command and tape-recorded statements by King George VI and President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

While covering the Allies' further advance across Europe, Bryan was wounded and captured by the Germans and spent six months in hospitals and in a prisoner of war camp in Szubin, Poland. He was freed by Soviet troops in January, 1945.  Bryan died February 15, 1991 of pneumonia at the age of 85.

The Allies had gone to extreme measures to protect the location of the invasion including planting fake documents, fake troop placements, and fake announcements. Germany did all it could to try to find out just where the Allies would land. One tactic was to falsely claim the invasion had begun hoping to fool the Allies into revealing the real location.

So it was no surprise that the news organizations were shy to jump on any announcement of a pending invasion. News reports included flash announcements which were deemed immediate and important information received; the other were bulletins which were also important but not deemed as immediate.

On June 3rd there had been a flash announcement that the invasion was under way but within minutes the announcement was withdrawn as the source, the Associated Press, killed the story as false.

When the first announcements started coming in the early morning of June 6, there were cautions attached to the bulletins. NBC reportedly came on the air with announcements around 12:41 AM EST after waiting at least 3 minutes from the time the AP bulletin was received.

➤The music of Harry James and his Orchestra was broadcasting over WOR (Mutual) from the Hotel Astor in New York. Kitty Kallen had just begun singing ironically "In Times Like These" when her song was interrupted right after 12:45 AM for bulletin.  Listen Here. Ned Calmer with CBS broadcast the bulletin around 12:48 AM. CBS waited until a second source, the Independent News Service, also released a bulletin.

➤Later repeats of the bulletins appeared over both networks. Irwin Darlington with CBS broadcast the breaking news. Listen Here.   Over at NBC this bulletin was aired.  Listen Here.

Click Here for much more.

CBS reporter Darlington was very cautionary in his bulletin announcement reminding listeners of Winston Churchill's warnings of Allied feints and the expected invasion story from the Germans. He also carefully identifies where the information is coming from as well as the actual quotes. They also provide reports from the German DNB and German radio broadcasts.

NBC's bulletin was very formal and straight-forward with little warning that the information could be false. Later cautions came from the summary of news reports they broadcast later. (H/T: Radio Days)

➦In 1955…Bill Haley & Comets', "Rock Around the Clock" hit #1 on radio.

Commissioners Starks, Simington Exit The FCC This Week

Two FCC commissioners announced their resignations on Wednesday, providing President Donald Trump with two additional vacancies to fill on the five-member U.S. telecom regulator. 

Republican Nathan Simington, confirmed in December 2020 after leading efforts to regulate social media during Trump’s first term, plans to step down this week despite being eligible to serve until year-end. Democratic Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, whose term extended to 2028, also intends to resign this week.

The Senate has yet to vote on Olivia Trusty’s nomination to join the FCC, potentially leaving the agency with just one Republican and one Democratic commissioner temporarily. FCC turnover is typical during presidential transitions.

Starks, Simington

The resignations coincide with Trump’s push for Republican FCC Chair Brendan Carr to revoke CBS’s broadcast licenses following a $20 billion lawsuit against CBS News for its editing of a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris in October 2024. Trump has also dismissed Democratic commissioners from other independent agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission.

Carr rejected CBS’s request to dismiss the complaint alleging the Harris interview violated FCC “news distortion” rules. CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, is awaiting FCC approval for an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media, with no set timeline for a decision. In April, “60 Minutes” executive producer Bill Owens resigned, citing concerns over editorial independence.

Carr has reinstated complaints against the “60 Minutes” interview, as well as ABC News’s moderation of a pre-election debate between Joe Biden and Trump, and NBC for Harris’s “Saturday Night Live” appearance close to the election. Additionally, Carr pressured Verizon to scale back its diversity, equity, and inclusion program before the FCC approved its $20 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications.

In a statement, Carr thanked Starks and Simington for their public service. He also outlined the agency’s continued efforts to identify and eliminate regulations that are “effectively dead wood,” including cable television rate regulations.

Trump Plan Fires Just About All Remain VOA Staffers

The Trump administration has proposed a significant restructuring of Voice of America (VOA), a federally funded news network established in 1942 to provide independent journalism to countries with limited press freedom.

The plan, outlined in a letter this week, and signed by Kari Lake, a senior adviser to the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), VOA’s parent organization, would reduce VOA’s workforce from approximately 1,400 journalists and administrative staff to just 18 employees. 

This follows earlier layoffs in May 2025, where nearly 600 contractors—about a third of VOA’s staff—were terminated, despite a federal judge’s April 2025 order to restore news programming as mandated by Congress.

The proposed cuts are inline witgh  President Trump’s March 14, 2025, executive order to reduce the federal workforce and eliminate non-statutory functions of agencies like USAGM. Trump and allies, including Lake, have criticized VOA, labeling it “the voice of radical America” and accusing it of spreading “anti-American” propaganda, claims made without evidence. Lake has described USAGM as “unsalvageable” and cited “waste, fraud, and abuse” as justification for the cuts. 

The plan would eliminate most news services, previously broadcast in 49 languages to nearly 100 countries, reaching over 350 million people weekly until VOA went offline on March 15, 2025.

VOA employees and press freedom advocates have resisted these changes, filing lawsuits arguing the cuts violate the First Amendment and congressional mandates. A federal judge’s April 2025 injunction briefly restored some operations, but a May 3, 2025, appeals court decision, backed by Trump-appointed judges, allowed the administration to proceed with layoffs and funding cuts, undermining efforts to reinstate staff. Among those affected are J-1 visa holders, who face deportation within 30 days of termination, with some at risk of arrest in their home countries due to their VOA reporting.

ESPN Sports Anchor Discloses Prostate Cancer

ESPN SportsCenter anchor Jay Harris, aged 60, announced on Good Morning America during an interview Thursday with Michael Strahan that he was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. 

Harris shared that he will undergo surgery on June 10 and plans to take approximately a month off from SportsCenter to recover, expressing optimism about his prognosis. 

He stated, “Per my last scan, nothing has spread, so once we take out the prostate, hopefully that will be it,” and noted his doctor is “quite optimistic” about a full recovery. 

Harris, who joined ESPN in 2003, also revealed a family history of prostate cancer, as his father and other relatives battled the disease, with his father surviving it. He emphasized the importance of men discussing health issues openly, saying, “By not talking, we sentence ourselves to death,” and aims to raise awareness about early detection, particularly for men of African descent who face higher risks. Harris remains confident, stating he’ll return “better than ever.” 

Posts on X and various sources, including Fox News and ESPN, reflect support from fans and colleagues, with the V Foundation for Cancer Research also wishing him a speedy recovery

WBD Shareholders Unhappy Over Executive Pay

On June 2, 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) shareholders voted against the 2024 compensation packages for CEO David Zaslav and other top executives in a non-binding “say-on-pay” advisory vote during the company’s annual meeting. The vote saw 1.06 billion shares (approximately 59-60%) against the packages, with 724.5 million shares in favor, alongside 5.69 million abstentions and 307.38 million broker non-votes.

David Zaslav

David Zaslav’s 2024 compensation totaled $51.9 million, a 4.4% increase from $49.7 million in 2023, comprising a $3 million base salary, $23.1 million in stock awards, $23.9 million in bonuses, and $1.9 million in other compensation. Other executives’ packages included: CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels at $17 million (flat from 2023), Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer Bruce Campbell at $19.8 million (up 8%), Global Streaming and Games CEO J.B. Perrette at $19.7 million (down 2%), and International President Gerhard Zeiler at $14.8 million (up 11%).

The rejection reflects shareholder dissatisfaction with executive pay amid WBD’s struggles, including a 7% stock decline in 2024 (compared to Netflix’s 80% gain and Disney’s 24% rise) and a 59% drop since the 2022 WarnerMedia-Discovery merger. The company faces challenges in its cable TV business due to cord-cutting, missed Q1 2024 revenue estimates, and a reported larger-than-expected loss, alongside a potential corporate breakup.

On Wednesday, Warner Bros. Discovery has targeted selectively and laid off less than 100 employees in its dwindling linear TV business, according to a report from Variety on Wednesday, citing a source.

The media conglomerate's linear TV business consists of networks that include TNT, TBS, CNN, Food Network, Discovery, TLC, and Turner Classic Movies. The source told Variety that no particular location or network was impacted more than others, and the cuts were part of WBD's ongoing efforts to operate more efficiently.

Diddy Jurors Hear More Abusive Testimony

Wednesday  during the fourth week of Sean "Diddy" Combs’s high-profile federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial in Manhattan, a key witness, Bryana Bongolan, a 33-year-old friend of Cassie Ventura, took the stand to recount a terrifying incident that occurred in September 2016 at Ventura’s Los Angeles apartment. 

She described how Combs, then 46, approached her from behind on the 17th-floor balcony in the early morning hours after she had spent the night at Ventura’s residence. Without warning, Combs allegedly lifted Bongolan, who stood at 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighed between 100 and 115 pounds, and placed her precariously atop the balcony’s railing. As he held her there, Combs repeatedly shouted, “You know what the fuck you did,” leaving Bongolan in fear for her life.

“For a split second, I was thinking about if I was going to fall,” Bongolan testified, her voice steady as she addressed the jury. “But for the most part, he was yelling at me, so I was trying to answer him.” She told the court that she repeatedly denied knowing what Combs was referring to, and to this day, she remains unsure of what prompted his accusation. The ordeal lasted approximately 10 to 15 seconds before Combs threw her onto the balcony’s furniture, causing bruises that she later photographed and presented as evidence. Jurors viewed these images, which Bongolan said documented the physical toll of the incident. She also shared that the experience left her with lasting psychological scars, including night terrors and paranoia.

Bongolan’s testimony extended beyond the balcony incident, painting a broader picture of Combs’s volatile behavior. She described witnessing multiple instances of physical abuse against Ventura, including occasions when Ventura appeared with a black eye or bruises. In one particularly disturbing account, Bongolan recalled seeing Combs throw a knife in Ventura’s direction inside her apartment, narrowly missing her. 

Combs, now 55, faces five federal counts, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, with the possibility of life in prison if convicted.