Radio BroadcastingOngoing Fallout from CPB Dissolution and Public Radio Funding Crisis: The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) formally dissolved in early January 2026 (announced January 5-6), following congressional defunding pushed under the Trump administration. By mid-January, this continued to dominate public radio discussions, with stations adapting to zero federal support. No major new actions occurred on January 17-18, but weekend public affairs programs (e.g., PBS News Weekend episodes aired January 17) and syndicated shows like Harry Shearer's Le Show (week of January 18, distributed to public radio stations) touched on related media themes, including AI in news and broader public media shifts. Local public stations emphasized emergency fundraising and community reliance, as rural outlets faced heightened closure risks without CPB's safety net.
AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act Advocacy Push into 2026: Broadcasters ramped up calls for an early 2026 House floor vote on the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (H.R. 979), with NAB leaders expressing optimism for action "in the coming weeks." While no vote happened over the January 17-18 weekend, industry updates reiterated commitments from House leadership (e.g., Speaker Mike Johnson) to prioritize it soon. This remains a critical story for terrestrial radio's in-car reach, especially amid EV interference concerns—no fresh Trump administration endorsement surfaced exactly on these dates, but prior support was referenced in ongoing lobbying.
AI's Growing Role in Audio and News Consumption: Broader media trends highlighted audio (including radio and podcasts) as a hedge against AI disrupting text/search traffic. A Reuters Institute outlook (circulating in mid-January) noted publishers shifting investment to audio formats, with 71% viewing expansion as key for 2026. Weekend programming like Le Show (January 18 edition) featured segments on "News of A.I." and related satire, reflecting how public/syndicated radio addressed AI's impact on media authenticity and jobs. No U.S. radio station launched a major new AI-driven format precisely on January 17-18, but the conversation around AI automation in broadcasting persisted.
Media News
President Trump's announcement of new tariffs—starting at 10% on February 1 and potentially rising to 25%—on Denmark and seven other European countries unless they negotiate the U.S. purchase/control of Greenland dominated weekend newscasts. European leaders called it "unacceptable" and "wrong," with emergency ambassador meetings on January 18. Protests erupted in Nuuk (Greenland) and Copenhagen. Outlets like NBC Nightly News, NYT, CNN, and Reuters framed it as an emboldened foreign policy move, tying it to broader "America First" actions. This story overshadowed much else, with allies warning of a "dangerous downward spiral" in transatlantic relations.
Ongoing ICE Protests and Clashes in Minneapolis: Violent confrontations between pro- and anti-ICE demonstrators continued amid the Trump administration's mass deportation push. Coverage highlighted a second ICE-involved shooting (following the Renee Nicole Good incident), with protesters braving brutal cold. Trump labeled demonstrators "professional agitators" and threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act. The Pentagon placed ~1,500 troops on standby for potential Minnesota deployment (reported January 18). Networks (CBS Weekend News, NPR, Reuters) covered dueling rallies, DOJ probes into local leaders like Mayor Jacob Frey, and public opinion shifts (some polls showing majority unfavorable views of ICE). This tied into broader immigration crackdown narratives.
Severe Winter Weather Across the U.S.
Back-to-back storms: brought snow, freezing temps, and wind chills to the Midwest, Northeast, and even rare snowfall in parts of Florida (second year in a row). Millions were under alerts, with travel disruptions and power concerns. Morning shows (Good Morning America, local ABC/CBS affiliates) led with live weather coverage, human interest (e.g., therapy dogs in dental offices as lighter segments), and storm prep.
Iran Protests and U.S. Commentary: Iran's supreme leader acknowledged thousands of deaths in ongoing anti-theocracy demonstrations but denied responsibility amid crackdowns. Trump called for new leadership in Tehran, escalating rhetoric. This appeared in NBC, CNN, and international roundups, often linked to U.S. foreign policy boldness.
Other Notable Coverage:
- Venezuela developments (U.S.-backed actions, new leader seeking oil investment and warmer U.S. ties).
- '60 Minutes' airing a previously pulled report on Trump-era deportations (January 18), highlighting internal media battles over political pressure.
- Miscellaneous: National debt concerns, NFL coaching rumors, and lighter stories (e.g., AI wildlife influencer hoax in Australia, but U.S. media focused domestically).
Sports
Los Angeles Rams survived overtime drama to beat the Chicago Bears, knocking them out with a walk-off field goal after Caleb Williams' heroics.
Coaching updates: Atlanta Falcons hired Kevin Stefanski, New York Giants made John Harbaugh official, and Green Bay Packers retained Matt LaFleur. These moves fueled offseason speculation heading into conference title games.
College Football National Championship Setup: The 2025-26 season culminated with the College Football Playoff National Championship: Indiana Hoosiers vs. Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. (kickoff details and previews circulated heavily on MLK Day, tying into themes of legacy and achievement).