Radio Broadcasting
Station Counts: The total number of U.S. radio stations saw a modest net increase in 2025 (up by about 201 stations overall), but this growth was driven almost entirely by noncommercial FM stations (up 278 to 4,755) and low-power services. Commercial FM and AM counts continued to decline, with AM stations down roughly 7% over the past decade. Translators and boosters have grown significantly (up 36% in recent years). This highlights a shift toward noncommercial and supplemental services amid challenges for traditional commercial outlets.
Regulatory and Ownership Changes: Broadcasters, led by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), are aggressively pushing the FCC to eliminate or significantly relax decades-old local radio and TV ownership caps during the ongoing 2022 Quadrennial Review. Arguments center on radio's declining audience/revenue share (down roughly half in the past dozen years) amid competition from streaming and digital platforms. Groups like Connoisseur, Townsquare, and Bonneville argue AM band issues shouldn't block reform, as consolidation could enable efficiencies, investment, and better competition. The NAB highlights court decisions limiting the FCC's ability to maintain or tighten rules without proving necessity. A major relaxation appears likely in 2026 under current FCC leadership.
Other FCC actions include guidance requiring equal time for political candidates on certain late-night and daytime talk shows (previously exempt), sparking debate over speech control. HD Radio rules have seen expansions, such as asymmetric sideband operations for FM and all-digital AM options (voluntary, with notifications required).
Advertising and Revenue Trends Traditional spot ad revenue continues declining: national radio spot projected down 5% in 2025 and 3.5% in 2026, with local spot also contracting (though less sharply). Digital revenue (streaming, podcasting, connected devices) is growing (up ~6.5% in 2025), along with off-air sources like events. Radio is evolving digitally, with owners urged to lead with digital marketing alongside traditional solutions.
Technological and Programming Innovations:
- A Phoenix station 94.9 The Zone (KZON-HD2) launched what is described as U.S. radio's first all-AI on-air lineup.
- Some stations experiment with data-driven playlists based on local streaming stats.
- AM revitalization efforts continue, including all-digital transitions and pushes for AM inclusion in vehicles (via the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, with strong congressional support but ongoing momentum needed).
- Broader discussions question radio's relevance in the streaming era, including calls for performance royalties on AM/FM plays (opposed by broadcasters via groups like NAB).
Media News
Domestic stories include mass ICE deployments and protests in Minnesota (with DOJ investigations into state leaders), military actions in Venezuela (capturing President Maduro), and broader themes of immigration enforcement, tariffs, and international tensions.
Journalism faces mounting pressures: low public trust, misinformation battles, potential hostility from the administration, and declining audiences (especially younger demographics shifting to social media). Reports predict a tough 2026, with traditional outlets struggling amid a "hostile White House" environment and shrinking space for independent/liberal voices due to ownership changes.
Entertainment and Broader Media Industry Trends The sector anticipates a challenging year, with predictions of further consolidation and disruption:
- Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) remains in play, with Netflix reportedly edging out Paramount in bids for all or parts of it (after Paramount's offers were rejected). This could reshape streaming, independent film distribution, and news outlets like CNN.
- Hollywood and film face a potential "do-or-die" moment, needing better consumer engagement amid franchise fatigue and tight budgets.
- Reuters Institute surveys show 75% of news leaders expecting "agentic tools" (advanced AI agents) to have a large impact on journalism and media workflows.
News and Sports
Former Uvalde Police Officer Acquitted in Trial A Texas jury cleared a former Uvalde school police officer of child endangerment and abandonment charges related to the 2022 Robb Elementary shooting. The verdict has renewed debate over accountability in the response to the tragedy, with critics calling it a setback for justice efforts.
Severe Winter Storm Threatens Widespread Impact One of the most extreme winter storms in recent years is forecast to bring heavy snow (6–12+ inches in places), damaging ice, freezing rain, and record cold across the central and eastern U.S., from Texas to the Carolinas and up the East Coast. States of emergency are being declared in multiple areas, with travel disruptions, power outage risks, and hazardous conditions expected through the weekend.
The NFL postseason is in full swing with the conference championship games set for Sunday:
- AFC Championship: Denver Broncos (No. 1 seed, clinched) host the New England Patriots. Denver advanced after a dramatic 33-30 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round, where Bo Nix threw for 279 yards and three TDs, and the Broncos' defense forced five turnovers (four from Josh Allen).
- NFC side: Details are emerging with teams like the Los Angeles Rams advancing past the Chicago Bears 20-17 in OT, setting up matchups. The Broncos are hosting the AFC title game at Empower Field, with Super Bowl LX on the line soon after.
- Viewership note: The Broncos-Bills divisional game was the most-watched Saturday NFL playoff game ever, peaking at over 51 million viewers.
- The league is also in discussions with President Trump, as commissioners from the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB are set to meet at the White House to discuss plans for America's 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026.