Radio Broadcasting
A proposed merger between SiriusXM Holdings and iHeartMedia could create the largest advertising and podcasting company in the United States. The deal would combine the companies’ extensive radio networks and popular podcast libraries as both firms seek to counter declining listenership amid the ongoing shift to streaming platforms. Early-stage discussions, first reported by Bloomberg on Friday, are being viewed primarily as a defensive strategy.
Cumulus Media has promoted Art Webb to Program Director for its flagship News/Talk stations KABC 790 AM in Los Angeles and KSFO 810 AM in San Francisco. Webb, who has served as Assistant Program Director and Executive Producer for the stations since 2017, succeeds Luis Segura, who was recently promoted to Operations Manager for Cumulus’s WMAL-FM in Washington, D.C.
WEEI Boston announced Monday that Rich Shertenlieb will co-host the station’s new afternoon drive program alongside former Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson and Ken Laird. Titled “Rich and Ken With Ted Johnson,” the show represents a major lineup change as WEEI attempts to challenge 98.5 The Sports Hub’s strong ratings in the afternoon slot.
Media Industry
President Trump called Monday for Disney and ABC to immediately fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over a joke about First Lady Melania Trump, labeling the remark a “despicable call to violence.” The comment was made during Kimmel’s mock White House Correspondents’ Dinner speech on April 23, when he said of the First Lady: “Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.” Trump posted on Truth Social that Kimmel “should be immediately fired by Disney and ABC,” adding that the joke was “far beyond the pale.”
Kimmel pushed back against calls for his dismissal from Donald and Melania Trump, stating that the “expectant widow” line was a harmless roast about the couple’s age difference and not an incitement to violence. The quip gained additional attention after a foiled assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
CBS News has removed its London bureau chief, Claire Day, following a clash with editor-in-chief Bari Weiss over the network’s coverage of Iran and Gaza, according to sources. Shayndi Raice, a veteran journalist recently hired from The Wall Street Journal, will take over as foreign editor. She will oversee all international coverage and begin working from London on May 11.
U.S. News
Federal prosecutors have charged Cole Allen, 31, the suspected gunman in the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting, with attempting to assassinate President Trump. Allen allegedly opened fire Saturday outside the event at a Washington hotel where he was a guest. He faces a potential life sentence. One of his federal public defenders emphasized that Allen is presumed innocent and has no prior criminal record.
Iran has presented regional mediators with a new proposal to halt its attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a complete end to the conflict. The offer includes the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and a postponement of nuclear negotiations, according to officials familiar with the matter. The proposal aims to break the current deadlock and restart talks. President Trump has discussed the offer with his national security team, the White House said.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are scheduled to join President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for tea at the White House as part of the royal couple’s U.S. visit. The trip is intended to mark America’s 250th anniversary and help repair the strained “Special Relationship” between the U.S. and U.K. during the second Trump administration.