Radio Broadcasting
FCC Targets Radio Broadcaster for Early License Review: The FCC is preparing to place an unnamed radio operator under early license renewal scrutiny over public interest obligations. The move comes just days after the FCC ordered Disney’s eight local ABC television stations to file renewals two years ahead of schedule. FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced the radio review Thursday but did not identify the broadcaster. He stressed the agency’s commitment to enforcing public interest obligations, citing Supreme Court precedent that such oversight does not violate the First Amendment.
Salem Media Launches National Morning Show: Larry O’Connor is host of new national morning program, “O’Connor & Company,” launching May 4 from 6:00–9:00 a.m. Eastern. The show will air on more than 140 stations across the Salem Radio Network and simulcast on the Salem News Channel. O’Connor will continue hosting the same slot on WMAL in Washington, D.C.
RIP: Chad Hasty: Longtime West Texas radio host Chad Hasty died Thursday at age 43. The influential conservative voice in Lubbock and state politics passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Lubbock County home, according to Townsquare Media, owner of News/Talk 95.1 & 970 KFYO. His cause of death has not been released, but officials believe it was natural.
Media Industry
More States Challenge Nexstar-Tegna Merger: Five additional states have joined a federal antitrust lawsuit seeking to block or unwind Nexstar Media Group’s $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna Inc. California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Thursday that Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Vermont are now part of the suit, bringing the bipartisan coalition to 13 states. The deal has already closed.
Consumers Sue to Block PSKY, WBD Merger: A group of television viewers filed a federal lawsuit in California on Friday to halt Paramount Global’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The plaintiffs argue the deal would reduce competition in streaming and entertainment, leading to higher prices, fewer choices, and less new content.
Apple Posts Strong Quarter Ahead of CEO Transition: Apple reported quarterly revenue of $111.2 billion, beating expectations, driven by a 21.7% surge in iPhone sales to nearly $57 billion. Gross profit margin reached 49.3%. The results provide a solid financial foundation for incoming CEO John Ternus.
U.S. News
Inflation Rises as Energy Prices Climb: Higher energy prices pushed the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure higher in March. The personal-consumption expenditures (PCE) price index rose 0.7% in March after a 0.4% increase in February, the Commerce Department said Thursday. Over the past year, PCE is up 3.5% — well above the Fed’s 2% target.
Iran Threatens: Iran warned Thursday it would respond with “long and painful strikes” on U.S. positions if attacks resume and reiterated its claim to the Strait of Hormuz. Two months into the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, the key waterway remains closed, disrupting 20% of global oil and gas supplies and driving energy prices higher worldwide.