Good Morning! Let's Check The Pulse for Wednesday, Feb 11

Radio Broadcasting

Digital revenue surges as radio's primary growth driver: The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) reports that digital advertising now accounts for about one-quarter of radio industry revenue, hitting $2.3 billion in 2025. This offsets declines in traditional on-air sales, with more operators adopting "digital-first" or hybrid models.

FCC Commissioner warns on consolidation risks: FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez cautioned that further media consolidation could "hollow out" broadcasting, drawing parallels to the decline in local journalism seen in newspapers. This contrasts with another commissioner's view favoring deregulation to boost competition, amid the ongoing 2022 Quadrennial Review of ownership limits.

Radio outperforms TV for certain ad categories: Research from Cumulus Media highlights that radio delivers better results for travel brands compared to linear TV, despite lower ad spend allocation (only 4% to AM/FM radio vs. 18% to TV in 2025 travel ads). This suggests untapped potential in targeting specific audiences.

AM/FM remains dominant in listening and cars: Edison Research data shows most AM/FM listening (87%) still occurs via traditional receivers, with radio leading ad-supported audio. Public support for built-in radio in vehicles stays strong (96% consider it essential), fueling efforts like the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act amid some automakers reducing or removing it.

Media Industry

Major journalism layoffs continue to hit legacy outlets: The Washington Post announced cuts of more than 300 staff members (about one-third of the company, including over 300 journalists from its roughly 800-person newsroom) on February 4, marking the biggest media layoffs so far in 2026. This follows the Atlanta Journal-Constitution laying off about 50 people (15% of staff, half from the newsroom) on February 5 as part of its digital transformation. These reflect ongoing financial pressures on traditional news organizations amid declining ad revenue and audience shifts.

FCC actions spark free speech concerns: Recent FCC notices targeting broadcasters (including attempts to rein in programs like The View and Saturday Night Live) have drawn criticism for potentially curtailing free speech. Combined with rising corporate media ownership, observers warn of backsliding in U.S. media freedom, drawing parallels to international examples.

Streaming dominance and TV viewing shifts accelerate: Nielsen data shows streaming reached a record 47.5% of total TV viewing in December 2025 (with peaks like 55.1 billion minutes on Christmas Day), while broadcast and cable continue to decline. Netflix projected strong 2026 growth, expecting ad revenue to nearly double as ads become central. Meanwhile, cord-cutting pressures mount, with YouTube TV introducing lower-priced sports/news bundles to retain subscribers.

U.S. News

Nancy Guthrie disappearance investigation intensifies: Authorities in Arizona detained a person of interest (reportedly a relative's son-in-law) for questioning after a traffic stop near the U.S.-Mexico border in connection with the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, mother of TODAY show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. The FBI released surveillance photos and video of a masked, armed individual at her doorstep prior to the incident. The detained individual was later released, but the search and house raids continue, drawing widespread national attention amid the high-profile family's public pleas.

Trump-Netanyahu White House meeting on Iran and Middle East: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Donald Trump at the White House to push for a tougher U.S. stance in nuclear talks with Iran, including expanding discussions to cover ballistic missiles. Trump indicated he believes Tehran wants a deal but mentioned weighing a second U.S. naval "armada" deployment to the region for leverage. Gaza ceasefire oversight and broader peace efforts (via the newly formed "Board of Peace") were also expected topics.

Bipartisan governors' gathering unravels: The annual National Governors Association meeting in Washington faced disruption after the White House planned to exclude Democratic governors from key events, including a traditional dinner. This led to boycotts by 18 Democratic governors and the NGA canceling formal White House sessions, highlighting deepening partisan divides.