The Wake-Up Pulse for Jan 21:

Radio Broadcasting

Heavy Early Political Ad Spending for 2026 Midterms:  Political advertising has surged ahead of the 2026 elections, with spending already exceeding $1 billion across media (including radio) as of mid-January. Issue groups dominate, driving much of the volume in areas like healthcare, immigration, and fundraising. Radio captures a portion of this (around 3% of total placements in earlier tallies), providing a revenue boost for stations in key markets, though digital and TV platforms lead.

Shift Toward Digital and Streaming Audio Growth: Radio's future hinges on digital execution rather than traditional spot ads alone. Forecasts (e.g., from Borrell Associates) project modest overall radio declines (0.9% in local ad revenue for 2026) but stronger growth in streaming audio (9%). Companies emphasize multi-platform packaging, data-driven targeting, and integration with podcasts. Tools like Podscribe expanding ad verification to over-the-air radio highlight this convergence.

AI Integration and Experimentation in Broadcasting: AI is increasingly prominent, from music scheduling and operations to on-air applications. Notable developments include one Phoenix station launching what’s described as the U.S. radio's first all-AI on-air lineup, raising discussions about authenticity, job impacts, and blending human talent with tech. Industry predictions for 2026 see AI as transformative for efficiency but stress maintaining "human" elements.

Growth in Hispanic, Black, and multicultural audio markets: MediaCo launched Sigma Audio Networks for unified ad buying across diverse audiences. Nueva Network marked its fifth anniversary with executive promotions after expansions like the Que Onnda podcast/digital platform. Nielsen data shows radio reaching 92% of Black consumers, with podcast listening rising in that demographic—opportunities for targeted advertising.

Industry honors highlight resilience: Stephen A. Smith received the Broadcasters Foundation's inaugural Broadcast Personality Award; Audacy's Live 105 (KITS San Francisco) named 2026 Legendary Station; nominations open for National Black Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Talent shifts include Larry O’Connor's expanded role and new syndicated shows.

More:

Trump's Push to Acquire Greenland and Escalating International Tensions: President Trump's renewed insistence on U.S. control or acquisition of Greenland has sparked major backlash from Denmark, the EU, and NATO allies. It includes threats of tariffs on European goods, leaked texts with world leaders, and market fallout (stocks plunging, gold hitting records as a safe haven). This dominates ahead of Trump's Davos speech at the World Economic Forum, where de-escalation efforts are underway but protests (including flag burnings) have erupted. Some Republicans are echoing support, while critics warn it risks alliances and global order.

Air Force One Incident: Air Force One, carrying President Trump en route to Davos, turned back shortly after takeoff due to a "minor electrical issue." Trump is set to board a replacement plane to continue the trip. This has drawn significant attention amid his high-profile foreign travel.
Intensified Immigration Enforcement and DOJ Actions in Minnesota

The Trump administration's aggressive ICE operations continue including reports of off-duty officers and U.S. citizens (e.g., a Hmong man detained at gunpoint in underwear) being targeted or questioned. The DOJ has subpoenaed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and others in a probe over alleged obstruction of federal immigration efforts. Protests persist, with some involving churches, and discussions of laws like the FACE Act or even Insurrection Act threats.
Trump's One-Year Anniversary in Office (Second Term)

Potentially Catastrophic Winter Storm Threat: Forecasters warn of a major storm bringing heavy snow, ice, brutal cold, and possible power grid risks from Texas through the Midwest, Northeast, and Carolinas—potentially one of the worst in history for some Southern areas. Related issues include blood supply emergencies (Red Cross declared shortage) and health concerns like measles outbreaks (record year in U.S., with new cases in states like South Carolina).

Other notable stories include:

• Second Lady Usha Vance announcing her pregnancy with a fourth child.
• Lindsey Halligan departing her Justice Department role after criticism from a Trump-appointed judge.
• DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) reportedly accessing/sharing Social Security data inappropriately.
• Broader foreign policy ripples, like Netanyahu agreeing to join Trump's "Board of Peace" and U.S. seizures of Venezuelan-linked oil tankers.

Sports

NFL Playoffs: Conference Championships set:  The divisional round wrapped up with big results: The Denver Broncos (despite QB Bo Nix's season-ending broken ankle) and New England Patriots advanced in the AFC, while the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams moved on in the NFC (Rams beat the Bears in OT). Championship games are scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 25 — Broncos vs. Patriots (AFC) and Seahawks vs. Rams (NFC). Other notes include the Chargers hiring former Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel as OC.

MLB Hall of Fame Class of 2026 announced: Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones were elected to Cooperstown. Discussions continue around steroid-era candidates and implications for future ballots (e.g., potential boosts for players like Jose Altuve). 

Separately, the Mets traded for White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr.