Good Morning! Be Sure To Check The Pulse for Tuesday, Feb 24

Radio Broadcasting

PPM Ratings Release for Key Markets (February 24 Wave): Today marks a major ratings day as Nielsen releases January 2026 PPM (Portable People Meter) data for several top markets, including Washington DC, Boston, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Seattle, Phoenix, Detroit, Minneapolis, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Denver, San Diego, Baltimore, and St. Louis. These numbers heavily influence ad sales, programming decisions, and station valuations in the radio industry. Stations and groups are analyzing shifts in listenership amid competition from streaming, podcasts, and AI-driven content. Read More

FCC's "Pledge America Campaign" Gains Momentum:  FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's recently launched "Pledge America Campaign" (announced February 20, 2026) urges broadcasters—including radio stations—to air more "patriotic, pro-America" programming ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary (July 4, 2026). The initiative ties into the White House's Salute to America 250 Task Force and encourages content celebrating American history and values. NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) is expanding support with toolkits, spots, and resources for stations to participate, building on earlier efforts. This voluntary push has sparked discussions on content direction, potential regulatory incentives, and free speech implications in the lead-up to America's semiquincentennial.

Public and Commercial Radio Coverage of Trump's State of the Union Address: Radio plays a central role in disseminating tonight's State of the Union address by President Donald Trump (9 p.m. ET), with live carriage on networks like NPR, SiriusXM channels (e.g., POTUS Politics, Patriot, Progress, Fox News, CNN), C-SPAN Radio, and local public stations (e.g., KUER, KPFA). Public radio outlets are providing extensive analysis, call-ins, and context on key topics like the economy, foreign policy (including the Ukraine war's 4th anniversary), and domestic issues. Read More

Media Industry

Hollywood's Escalating "AI Wars" Intensify:  The battle over artificial intelligence's role in film, TV, and content creation remains a defining conflict in 2026. Major studios, tech giants with massive VC backing, creators, unions, and activists are clashing over IP rights, labor displacement, ethical use of AI tools, and creative control. Recent surges in AI-generated content and tools have heightened tensions, with reports framing it as a pivotal fight reshaping Hollywood's economic model and future. This includes debates on AI in scripting, visual effects, and production, amid fears of job losses and dilution of human artistry.

Ongoing Streaming and Media Consolidation Fallout (Layoffs, Mergers):  The media landscape is still reeling from major deals and restructurings: Persistent concerns over potential massive layoffs from the proposed Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery's studio and streaming assets (or rival Paramount-Skydance bids), with industry analysts warning of thousands of job cuts due to overlapping operations.

Recent reports highlight continued downsizing at Paramount (post-Skydance merger), CBS News (voluntary buyouts leading to expected 15% staff reductions), and others like Netflix's product division.

Broader Hollywood layoffs lists track cuts at Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN, and more as the industry adjusts to streaming economics, post-strikes recovery, and merger synergies targeting billions in savings. These moves reflect efforts to streamline amid declining linear TV and ad revenue challenges.

U-S News

President Trump In Primetime:  President Donald Trump is delivering his first State of the Union address of his second term tonight at 9 p.m. ET before a joint session of Congress. This high-stakes speech comes amid a divided nation, recent Supreme Court rulings striking down some of his tariff policies, economic pressures, and ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections where Republicans aim to retain control of Congress.

Key expectations include Trump highlighting his administration's accomplishments on issues like mass deportations, deregulation, lowering living costs (e.g., housing and energy), "law and order," and efforts to resolve global conflicts. 

The address follows a year of upheaval, including trade battles and foreign policy moves. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger (a Democrat and vocal Trump critic) will deliver the official Democratic response. Live coverage is available on major networks (e.g., FOX News, ABC, PBS, C-SPAN), streaming platforms, and the White House channels. Public opinion polls (e.g., from Pew Research) show mixed views on key issues like the economy, with many Americans disapproving of aspects of Trump's approach.

U.S. Tourists Caught in Mexican Cartel Violence: American tourists, particularly in popular resort areas like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara (Jalisco state), are stranded or sheltering in place due to widespread cartel-related violence. This erupted after Mexican forces killed notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes on February 22, 2026.

The killing triggered retaliatory attacks, including road blockages, burning buses, shootings, and chaos at airports. Several U.S. airlines have suspended flights to affected areas, leaving many tourists unable to return home. The U.S. State Department has issued security alerts urging Americans to shelter in hotels/residences, avoid crowds, and monitor updates.

Ukraine War Marks 4 Years (Entering Its 5th Year):  Today marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, with the conflict now entering its fifth year. Coverage reflects on how the war has transformed modern warfare, global security, European defense debates, and the balance of power. Casualty estimates are staggering, with up to 1.8 million soldiers potentially killed or wounded on both sides.